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Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV).
HAV is usually spread from person to person by putting something in the mouth that has been contaminated with the stool of a person with hepatitis A.

Manifestations: Adults will have signs and symptoms more often than children will.
• Whites of the eyes or skin may become yellowy - jaundice
• fatigue
• stools pale with diarrhoea
• urine dark
• abdominal pain
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• fever

Diagnosis and treatment: Diagnosis is found by taking a blood test. Vaccination is effective in the prevention of the disease. Hepatitis A vaccine is the best protection. Short-term protection against hepatitis A is available from immune globulin. It can be given before and within 2 weeks after coming in contact with HAV. Sufferers can take a long time to fully recover and during this recovery there may be a complete ban on alcohol.

Prevent Hepatitis A:
• Vaccination or immune globulin. One vaccine offers protection for up to a year if this is then boosted with a second injection between 6-12 months then 10 years protection is conferred. Ideally you should have this vaccine 14 days before travel.
• Always wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, and before preparing and eating food
• Don’t eat contaminated food
• Don’t drink contaminated water