Hepatitis A - Cases Where Vaccination Is Beneficial!

Exposure of hepatitis A virus can cause severe liver infection, which is usually lighter and resolves by itself. There is a considerable difference in the symptoms and duration of the disease, in which many people do not see any signs. Two of the symptoms associated with hepatitis A infections are fever and joint. If you drink water or food which has become contaminated with the stools of someone with the virus, then you can catch the disease. You may also be infected, if you:

1. Eat fruits, vegetables, or other foods that were contaminated during handling
2. Eat chopped raw shellfish with water that has a virus
3. Swallow the contaminated snow

If you have this infection, your liver may be swollen due to your virus. You do not always get symptoms, but when you do, you may have:

1. Jaundice
2. Pain in your stomach
3. loss of appetite
4. Nausea
5. Fever
6. Diarrhoea
7. Fatigue

Children generally have diseases with some symptoms. You can develop hepatitis A virus approximately 2 weeks before your symptoms appear and they appear during the first week, or even if you do not have any.

If you are prone to the disease:

1. Stay with someone who is infected
2. Visit the country where Hepatitis A is common

How is it detected?
Blood tests enable doctors to detect it.

Is there a prolong effect?
Usually, the virus does not cause any long term issues or complexities. But as per the CDC, 10% to 15% people with Hepatitis A will have symptoms that last for long periods or come back in the 6- to 9 month’s period. In rare cases, some people may suffer liver damage or require transplantation.

Is there a Hepatitis A Vaccine?
Yes, Vaccination is suggested:

1. Visitors to places of the world with an increase infection in hepatitis A.
2. Men who had stayed with an infected person.
3. People with blood clotting problems
4. Any person with prolong liver disease

What is the treatment?
There is no treatment to cure this disease. Your doctor can take such tests to check your liver function to make sure that your body is recovering.

1. Receiving vaccination is your best protection. If you come in exposure with someone with hepatitis A, you can get a particular drug called immune globulin within 2 weeks.
2. Good hygiene is also necessary. After using the bathroom, always wash your hands with soap and water, after changing the diapers, before and after managing the food.
3. If you have symptoms of Hepatitis A or infection then meet your doctor. Vaccination within two weeks of contact with Hepatitis A can help against the development of infection.

Patients with preexisting liver disease should be vaccinated as occurrence of hepatitis A can lead to risk to life.