1. Take Hepatitis A Seriously
Hepatitis A (HAV) is a virus that infects the liver. Hepatitis literally means "liver inflammation" and is prevalent around the world, but is particularly common in Mexico and parts of Central and South America, Greenland, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Hepatitis A is an acute liver disease that rarely can cause liver damage, jaundice and sometimes even liver failure, which is a life threatening complication. The more serious complications usually occur in people over 50 or who have another serious in conjunction with hepatitis A.
2. Limit Personal Contact to Avoid Spreading Hepatitis A
Most individuals who become infected with hepatitis A have had personal contact with someone carrying the hepatitis A virus. Infected individuals carry the virus in their stool, so transmission can include hand to mouth contact, such as when someone uses the restroom and doesn't wash his hands before preparing food. Additional modes of transmission include drinking contaminated water or consuming foods, like raw shellfish, that were taken from contaminated water.
3. Recognize the Signs and Symptoms of Hepatitis A
Symptoms of hepatitis A usually manifest 2 to 6 weeks after exposure and include: feeling tired or fatiguing easily; abdominal pain, especially below the right lower ribs, where the liver resides; nausea and vomiting; decreased appetite; and fever. Later symptoms include yellowing of the skin (jaundice) and whites of the eyes, itchy skin and changes in stool and urine color. Some people don't experience symptoms, but can still spread the virus to others.
4. Treat Hepatitis A to Speed Recovery
Hepatitis A cannot be cured but it is usually a self-limiting disease, and the majority of people infected with it will improve within 3 to 6 months. Treatment consists of rest and avoidance of alcohol and medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) during the recovery phase. Most individuals will be able to recuperate at home without any complications but occasionally may require hospitalization. Very rarely hepatitis A will cause liver failure.
5. Get Vaccinated Against Hepatitis A
The actual virus was first identified in 1973 and the discovery prompted the creation of a vaccine that has reduced the incidence of hepatitis A to 1.2 per 100,000 in the United States. Hepatitis A can be prevented by the vaccine, which is recommended for adults and children over the age of 1. There is also post-exposure prophylaxis for individuals not previously vaccinated for hepatitis A. An injection of immune globulin (IG) or a single dose of single-antigen hepatitis A vaccine can be given to help prevent hepatitis A development after exposure. Which treatment is given depends on your age and health status.
Other important prevention methods include frequent hand washing and safe food handling techniques. Hand washing is the easiest and most important aspect of prevention. You should wash your hands with an antimicrobial soap for 15 to 30 seconds, which is the equivalent of singing the ABCs or "Happy Birthday."
More information can be found at the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/index.htm.
