What is hepatitis and?
One of several types of viral hepatitis, hepatitis A, is a very contagious liver infection caused by hepatitis A. With this disease, about 10 million people around the world are diagnosed each year. Most of them are infected by consuming contaminated food, drinking contaminated water or close contact with someone who already has this disease. Symptoms of infection may include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain/discomfort, loss of appetite, mild fever, dark urine, muscle pain, itching and jaundice. These symptoms may take up to a month to appear, even if some people may not show any symptoms at all. Other people can experience relapse of symptoms six to nine months after the initial infection. Symptoms of hepatitis A are often confused with symptoms for influenza.
people who have one of the above symptoms or otherwise suspect that they were exposed to a virus should see a doctor. Blood tests can be performed to detect hepatitis by measuring the levels of enzymesbilirubin and aminotransferases. It is then possible to perform radioimunoo -oo -oo -detection to determine the exact type of hepatitis by identifying antibodies in the immune system.
There is no specific treatment of hepatitis a. As a result, alcohol should also be avoided when infection is present. During and after infection, alcohol and acetaminophene (like Tylenol®) should not be taken together to prevent further liver damage.
Some groups of people are more threatened by infection of hepatitis A. These groups include drug users, haemophiliation and homosexual and bisexual men. People visiting areas with high levels of hepatitis or have an exposurere on a virus in working settings also have a higher risk of obtaining a virus. Prevention is possible through vaccination and good hygienicof the procedures.
hepatitis vaccine and is made of inactivated virus form and provides protection in 95% of cases for at least 10 years. The vaccine is administered in the upper arm muscle, with the initial dose followed by the booster six to 12 months later. Centers for control and prevention of diseases provide recommendations of who should be vaccinated (eg children older year, people who work around the virus, and people who live where the focus is present).