What is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A disease is a common form of acute viral hepatitis. This viral infection causes liver inflammation and damage.
Hepatitis A disease is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV), one of the various types of hepatitis viruses that result in liver damage.
If proper treatment is received, a patient suffering from Hepatitis A infection recovers from the illness within a few weeks. However, in certain rare cases, this disease can be serious and cause liver failure. Usually, HAV infection does not result in prolonged complications or issues such as liver cirrhosis, because the illness is only for a short time.
Hepatitis A symptoms
The Hepatitis A symptoms includes:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
- Dark urine
- Clay-colored bowel movements
- Poor appetite
- Pain in the joints
- Yellow skin or eyes (Jaundice)
- Extreme itching
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Get A Second OpinionWhen to See a Doctor?
Book an appointment with your doctor if you notice hepatitis A symptoms. If your blood test report is positive for hepatitis A, your primary care doctor may refer you to a gastroenterologist, hepatologist or a general physician for further treatment.
Get the best treatment for hepatitis A from our Gastroenterologist, hepatologist or General physician at Medicover Hospitals.
Hepatitis A causes
Hepatitis A causes are primarily linked to the Hepatitis A virus (HAV), which is transmitted in several ways. The most common Hepatitis A causes include:
- Contaminated Food and Water: The virus spreads through food or water that has been contaminated with HAV, often due to inadequate sanitation or poor hygiene practices.
- Person-to-Person Contact: Hepatitis A causes can also be linked to close contact with an infected individual, particularly when proper hand washing is not practiced after using the restroom.
- Unhygienic Food Handling: If food is prepared by an infected person who does not wash their hands thoroughly, it can lead to the spread of the virus.
- Exposure to Contaminated Surfaces: Touching contaminated surfaces and then consuming food or touching the face can also lead to infection.
To reduce the risk of Hepatitis A causes, practicing good hygiene, consuming clean water, and getting vaccinated can help prevent infection.
Risk factors of Hepatitis A
- Transmission through oral-faecal route via exposure to contaminated food or water.
- Food cooked by an infected person who has not washed their hands properly.
- A person who has cleaned their hands in sewage contaminated water.
- Drinking water, including ice-cubes contaminated with the virus.
- Close physical contact with an infectious person.
- Sexual contact with an infected person.
- People who are exposed to contaminated syringes.
- Travel to high-risk countries.
- Individuals who inject drugs.
Prevention of Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A infection can be prevented by taking the following precautions
- It is possible to prevent this viral infection by taking hepatitis A vaccine.
- Clean hands with soap before handling food items, after using the toilet and after using condoms or any sexual contact, handling nappies or the anal area of another person. Always use a clean towel to dry your hands.
- Using clean toilets and washrooms.
- Boil drinking water to make it safe to drink if it comes from an untreated source.
- If travelling to high-risk countries get a hepatitis A vaccination to stay away from infection.
Diagnosis of Hepatitis A
In order to diagnose the symptoms, the doctor will ask for the patient's medical history and details like any recent travel, close contact with an infected person and other lifestyle related habits.
The doctor will perform a physical examination to check for signs and symptoms of hepatitis A, and a blood test is sent to a laboratory to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment of Hepatitis A
For the hepatitis A infection, there is no specific treatment. In most cases, the illness gets cured on its own, and the liver heals within a few months with no lasting complications.
Hepatitis A treatment involves taking rest and managing symptoms.
These include:
- RestingTaking rest is important as the patients may feel weak and tired.
- Light DietDue to nausea, it will be difficult to consume your regular meals. Try eating smaller meals throughout the day and drink fruit juice or milk rather than water.
- Improving LifestyleAvoid alcohol consumption, smoking tobacco, and consuming junk processed foods and carbonated beverages as these habits may further damage the liver.
- Taking prescribed medications on time for a quick recovery.
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Book an AppointmentDos and Don’ts
Follow the below mentioned Do’s and Don’ts to prevent hepatitis A infection or to stop it from aggravating. It is a viral disease that affects the liver and is caused by the hepatitis A virus. Its symptoms may stay on for several weeks, but most people have a full recovery.
Do’s |
Don’ts |
|
Wash hands properly with soap and water. |
Consume alcohol and indulge in smoking |
|
Avoid sexual activity if infected with Hepatitis A |
Eat junk and processed foods |
|
Avoid travelling to countries having wide-spread hepatitis A |
Wash hands irregularly |
|
Drink clean drinking water |
Avoid taking rest |
|
Take hepatitis A vaccination |
Eat food from street vendors |
Diagnosis of the HAV infection includes a physical examination and blood tests. There is no specific treatment for this viral disease. Patients are recommended complete rest and few medications that help manage symptoms.
Hepatitis A Care at Medicover Hospitals
At Medicover hospitals, we have the most experienced and trusted general physicians, infectious disease specialists, hepatologists, gastroenterologists and paramedical staff who provide the best management for hepatitis A infection. With a holistic approach, our hospitals are dedicated to providing expert healthcare solutions to our patients. We aim to provide the best treatment outcomes and a satisfactory patient experience at highly affordable prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A symptoms include fever, fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). The severity of symptoms can vary from mild to severe.
How is Hepatitis A treated?
Hepatitis A treatment mainly focuses on managing symptoms. There is no specific antiviral treatment for the disease, so supportive care like rest, hydration, and a balanced diet is recommended.
Is there a vaccine for Hepatitis A?
Yes, the Hepatitis A vaccine is available and highly effective in preventing infection. It is recommended for travellers to high-risk areas and those at increased risk of exposure.
What causes Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A causes are linked to the consumption of contaminated food or water or through close contact with someone who is infected. It is transmitted via the fecal-oral route, making sanitation and hygiene critical.
Can Hepatitis A be prevented?
Hepatitis A can be prevented through proper hygiene, including regular handwashing, and by getting the Hepatitis A vaccine. Avoiding contaminated food and water is also crucial in high-risk areas.
How long does it take to recover from Hepatitis A?
The recovery time for Hepatitis A varies, but most people recover within a few weeks to months. In some cases, the liver may take longer to heal fully, but long-term damage is rare. Regular follow-ups with healthcare providers are recommended during recovery.
