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OverviewHepatitis A is a virus that can infect the liver. Most people who get it get better within 3 months and don't have liver problems later. This virus is found in stool (feces). You can get it if you eat food or drink water that was in contact with infected stool. You can also get it from close contact with an infected person. Common symptoms include feeling tired or having yellow eyes and skin (jaundice). They also include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and a severe loss of water (dehydration). Some people don't notice any symptoms for up to 30 days. But even without symptoms, you still can give the infection to other people. Some people get a shot if they know they were exposed to the virus in the past 2 weeks. Ask your doctor if you need a hepatitis A vaccine or an immunoglobulin shot. These may prevent getting infected with hepatitis A. After you get hepatitis A one time, you can't get it again. But you can still get other types of hepatitis. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take. How can you care for yourself at home?
To avoid spreading hepatitis A
When should you call for help?Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if:
Where can you learn more?Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd Enter R693 in the search box to learn more about "Hepatitis A: Care Instructions". Hepatitis A is inflammation (irritation and swelling) of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus. You can take several steps to prevent catching or spreading the virus. To reduce your risk of spreading or catching the hepatitis A virus:
The virus may spread quickly through day care centers and other places where people are in close contact. To prevent outbreaks, wash hands well before and after each diaper change, before serving food, and after using the restroom. Avoid unclean food and water You should take the following precautions:
If you were recently exposed to hepatitis A and have not had hepatitis A before, or have not received the hepatitis A vaccine series, ask your health care provider about receiving a hepatitis A immune globulin shot. Common reasons why you may need to receive this shot include:
You will likely get the hepatitis A vaccine at the same time you receive the immune globulin shot. Vaccines are available to protect against hepatitis A infection. Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all children older than age 1. The vaccine begins to protect 4 weeks after you receive the first dose. A 6- to 12-month booster is required for long-term protection. People who are at higher risk for hepatitis A and should receive the vaccine include:
People who work or travel in areas where hepatitis A is common should be vaccinated. These areas include:
If you are traveling to these areas in fewer than 4 weeks after your first shot, you may not be fully protected by the vaccine. You can also get a preventive dose of immunoglobulin (IG). Freedman MS, Ault K, Bernstein H. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Recommended immunization schedule for adults aged 19 years or older - United States, 2021. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2021;70(6):193-196. PMID: 33571173 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33571173/. Kroger AT, Pickering LK, Mawle A, Hinman AR, Orenstein WA. Immunization. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 316. Pawlotsky JM. Acute viral hepatitis. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2020:chap 139. Sjogren MH, Cheatham JG. Hepatitis A. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 78. Wodi AP, Ault K, Hunter P, McNally V, Szilagyi PG, Bernstein H. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Recommended immunization schedule for children and adolescents aged 18 years or younger - United States, 2021. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2021;70(6):189-192. PMID: 33571172 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33571172/. Updated by: Michael M. Phillips, MD, Emeritus Professor of Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. What is the method of transmission of hepatitis?Common modes of transmission for these viruses include receipt of contaminated blood or blood products, invasive medical procedures using contaminated equipment and for hepatitis B transmission from mother to baby at birth, from family member to child, and also by sexual contact.
What are the prevention and control of hepatitis?Good personal hygiene and proper sanitation help prevent the spread of the HAV virus. Always wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, and before preparing, serving, or eating food.
Which procedure Best helps reduce the risk of hepatitis A?Vaccination with the full, two-dose series of hepatitis A vaccine is the best way to prevent infection. Hepatitis A vaccine has been licensed in the United States for use in people 1 year of age and older.
How can you prevent the rest of the family from getting hepatitis?Tips for preventing hepatitis infection. Wash hands. Adults and children should wash hands often, and always after using the bathroom or changing diapers and before preparing food and eating. ... . Take care with laundry. ... . Clean household surfaces. ... . Be careful about sharing. ... . Be careful when you travel.. |