Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is an inflammation (irritation and swelling) of the
liver caused by the Hepatitis A virus.
Causes of Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is transmitted by contaminated food or water, or
contact with a person who is currently ill with the disease. The Hepatitis A virus is shed
in the stools of an infected person during the incubation period of 15 to 45 days before
symptoms occur and during the first week of illness. Blood and other bodily secretions may
also be infectious.
The virus does not remain in the body after the infection has resolved, and there is no
carrier state (i.e., a person who spreads the disease to others but does not become ill).
The symptoms associated with Hepatitis A are similar to the flu, but the skin and eyes may
become yellow (jaundiced). This is because
the liver is not able to filter bilirubin
from the blood. There are approximately 100,000 total infections in the U.S. every year.
Risk factors include living in a nursing home or rehabilitation center, having a family
member who recently had Hepatitis A, intravenous drug use, and recent travel or
immigration from Asia, South, or Central America.
Other common hepatitis virus infections include Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, but
hepatitis A is the least serious and most mild of these diseases. Both of the others can
become chronic illnesses, but hepatitis A does not.
Symptoms of Hepatitis A
- jaundice
- fatigue
- loss of appetite
- nausea and vomiting
- low-grade fever
- pale or clay colored stools
- dark urine
- generalized itching
Diagnosis of Hepatitis A
The doctor will perform a physical examination and may discover
that you have an enlarged and tender liver.
Hepatitis serology tests may show:
- IgM and IgGantibodies to Hepatitis A (IgM is usually positive before IgG)
- Elevated liver enzymes (liver function tests)
Treatment of Hepatitis A
There is no specific treatment for Hepatitis A. Rest is
recommended during the acute phase of the disease when the symptoms are most severe.
People with acute hepatitis should avoid alcohol and any substances that are toxic to the
liver, including acetominophen (Tylenol).
Fatty foods may cause vomiting because secretions from the liver are needed to digest
fats. Fatty foods are best avoided during the acute phase.
Expectations (prognosis) of Hepatitis A
Over 85% of people with hepatitis A recover within 3 months, and
over 99% of people recover by 6 months.
The fatality rate is estimated at 0.1%, usually among the elderly and patients with
chronic liver disease.
Hepatitis A virus does not become a chronic infection.
Complications with Hepatitis A
There are usually no complications. One in a thousand cases
become fulminant hepatitis, which can be life threatening.
Prevention of Hepatitis A
Transmission of the virus can be reduced by avoiding unclean
food and water, thorough hand washing after using the restroom, and thorough cleansing if
there is any contact with an affected person's blood, feces, or any other bodily fluid.
Daycare facilities and other institutions involving close contact with people may be more
susceptible to rapid transmission of Hepatitis A. Thorough hand washing and good hygenic
practices before and after each diaper change, before serving food, and after using the
restroom can help prevent institutional outbreaks.
Immune globulin should be given to people in close contact with people with Hepatitis
A.
Two vaccines (Havrix and Vaqta) are available. The two vaccines are equivalent in
efficacy, but Vaqta has fewer side effects.
The vaccines are administered in two doses, and the second dose is received 6 to 12
months after the first dose. The HAV vaccine begins to protect 4 weeks after receiving the
initial dose, the 6 to 12-month booster is required for long-term protection.
People who should consider vaccination include:
People traveling to areas or countries with high levels of Hepatitis A. Those
who travel to high-risk areas less than 4 weeks after receiving the initial vaccine may
need to receive another preventive medication called "immune serum globulin,"
which is given at the same time as the vaccine but injected at a different site.
Men who have sex with men
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