Blog Details

Hepatitis A: A Comprehensive Guide | May is Hepatitis awareness month

Overview

Hepatitis A is a viral infection that specifically targets the liver. It is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV) and is primarily transmitted through the faecal-oral route, often due to ingestion of contaminated food or water. The disease is closely associated with poor sanitation, inadequate hygiene and oral-anal sexual contact. Unlike hepatitis B and C, hepatitis A does not cause chronic liver disease, but it can lead to debilitating symptoms and in rare cases, acute liver failure.

Transmission and Causes

Hepatitis A is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV), which is primarily transmitted through the faecal-oral route. This occurs when an individual unknowingly ingests food or water contaminated with the faeces of an infected person. Common sources of contamination include:

• Contaminated food or water.
• Poor sanitation and hygiene practices.
• Oral-anal sexual contact.

The virus can survive in various environments and is resistant to heat, which makes it difficult to eliminate through standard food production processes.

Symptoms

The incubation period for hepatitis A is typically 14-28 days. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include:

• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhoea
• Loss of appetite
• Low-grade fever
• Dark urine
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

While adults are more likely to experience symptoms, infected children under six years old may not show any noticeable signs of illness.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A. Recovery is generally dependent on the individual's immune system. Supportive care, such as hydration and rest, is often recommended. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary to monitor and manage complications.

Prevention

Preventing hepatitis A involves improving sanitation, food safety and personal hygiene practices.

Additional prevention measures include:

• Vaccination: Several inactivated hepatitis A vaccines are available and provide similar protection against the virus.
• Proper handwashing: Regularly washing hands with soap and water, especially before meals and after using the restroom.
• Safe food handling: Cooking food thoroughly, avoiding raw or undercooked shellfish and practicing safe food storage.
• Caution during travel: When traveling to areas with high hepatitis A endemicity, consider getting vaccinated and practicing extra caution with food and water safety.

By following these guidelines and maintaining good hygiene practices, individuals can reduce their risk of contracting hepatitis A and contribute to its global elimination.

At Neotia Mediplus OPD & Diagnostics Clinic, we offer a full range of consultation services for the evaluation of patients with acute and chronic hepatology related disorders. Our renowned team of hepatologists & gastroenterologists combined with our state-of-the-art facilities offering advanced diagnostics delivers hi-quality care and successful outcomes.