What is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver that can cause fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, clay-colored stools, joint pain, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
How is Hepatitis A transmitted?
Hepatitis A is most commonly spread through contaminated food or water. It can also be spread through close contact with someone who is infected, such as through sexual contact or sharing needles. The hepatitis A virus can live on surfaces for up to two weeks, so it is important to practice good hand hygiene and avoid eating food from street vendors. If you are infected with hepatitis A, you will need to rest and drink plenty of fluids. You may also need to be hospitalized if you develop severe liver damage.
Can Hepatitis A result in serious complications?
In some cases, hepatitis A can lead to liver failure. This is more likely to occur in people with other liver diseases, such as hepatitis B or C. People with hepatitis A are also at increased risk for developing kidney problems and blood clotting disorders.
If you have hepatitis A, it is important to rest and drink plenty of fluids. You may also need to be hospitalized if you develop severe liver damage. There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A, but most people recover completely within a few months.
If you think you have been exposed to the hepatitis A virus, contact your healthcare provider right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complications. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from hepatitis A. Talk to your healthcare provider about which vaccine is right for you and make sure you are up-to-date on all your vaccinations before you travel.
The best way to prevent hepatitis A is to get vaccinated!
There are various types of Hepatitis A vaccines available, including a vaccine for Hepatitis A only (e.g. Havrix), or a vaccine for Hepatitis A & B (e.g. Twinrix). Talk to your healthcare provider about which type of vaccine is right for you.
Why should I get the Hepatitis A vaccine?
There are several reasons why you should get the hepatitis A vaccine:
Hepatitis A is a serious disease that can cause liver damage, especially for people with other liver diseases
Hepatitis A also increases risk for developing kidney and/or blood clotting disorders
The hepatitis A virus is spread easily through contaminated food or water or by close contact with someone who is infected
There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A, although most people recover completely within a few months
Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from hepatitis A. Talk to your healthcare provider about which vaccine is right for you and make sure you are up-to-date on all your vaccinations before you travel. Thanks for reading! I hope this has helped clear some things up about hepatitis A.
If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments below.
When should I get Hepatitis A vaccines?
Ideally, you should get hepatitis A vaccines at least two weeks before you travel to an area where the virus is common. This will give the vaccine time to start working. If you are already in an area where hepatitis A is common or about to travel, you should get vaccinated as soon as possible. Vaccination is also recommended for people who are at increased risk for hepatitis A, such as those with chronic liver disease or those who have had a liver transplant.
Talk to your healthcare provider about which vaccine is right for you and make sure you are up-to-date on all your vaccinations before you travel.
What are common risk factors for Hepatitis A?
There are several risk factors for hepatitis A:
- Having close contact with someone who is infected.
- Having chronic liver disease or a liver transplant.
- Men who have sex with men.
- Using illicit or recreational drugs.
- Travel to an area where the virus is common, particularly in areas where sanitation and food hygiene are expected to be poor
- Certain professions with risk factors e.g. sewage workers, working in organizations where levels of personal hygiene may be poor such as homeless shelters, or people working with animals such as monkeys, apes or gorillas
Which countries and regions present a higher risk of Hepatitis A transmission?
There are several countries and regions where hepatitis A is more common:
- Africa (e.g. Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt, Sudan)
- Asia (e.g. Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh)
- The Caribbean (e.g. Mexico, Jamaica, St. Kitts, Bahamas, Barbados, Cuba)
- Central and South America (e.g. Brazil, Costa Rica, Peru)
- Eastern Europe & Central Asia (e.g. Armenia, Uzbekistan, Russia)
- The Middle East (e.g. Libya, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia)
If you are travelling to any of these areas, it is important to talk to your health care provider about getting vaccinated against Hepatitis A. There are several options available for Hepatitis A vaccination through Swift Clinics.
You can schedule your appointment online now by clicking here, or call us at our toll-free number.
Disclaimer : This general information is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider.