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Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A conditions, Symptoms, Vaccination in London

Hepatitis A is a common type of hepatitis affecting the liver, and the virus responsible for this condition is the Hepatitis A virus. The Hepatitis A virus is responsible for the liver's inflammation and impacts the liver's ability to function. Hepatitis A virus is not the only hepatitis virus that affects the liver and causes inflammation.

Hepatitis A is commonly gotten when people come in contact with an infected individual or ingest contaminated water or food. The majority of people who have this infection may recover without experiencing permanent damage to their liver. If your infection is mild, you might not require any treatment. Basic steps such as frequent washing of hands and good personal hygiene can go a long way to prevent the spread of this infection. Getting vaccinated against Hepatitis A can reduce your chances of getting infected.

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Symptoms of Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A might show mild to no symptoms in some people. Typically, you may notice symptoms within a few weeks of getting infected with the virus. If you show symptoms, they may appear in the following ways:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Weakness and unusual tiredness
  • Grey or clay-coloured poop
  • Intense itching
  • Mild fever
  • Dark urine
  • Joint pain
  • Abdominal pain, which is more common in the upper right side beneath your lower ribs.
  • Sudden nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting
  • Yellowing of the eye white and the skin

It is possible not to notice or experience any of the symptoms, and symptoms may clear within a couple of weeks. However, hepatitis A can be more severe and last for months.

When should I seek the help of a medical professional?

If you have any of the symptoms outlined above, you should see a medical professional for proper diagnosis and to get tested. People who get introduced to an antibody injection called immunoglobulin or get the Hepatitis A vaccine within the first two weeks of potential exposure to the virus may be protected from the infection.

You should find out from your doctor about the Hepatitis A vaccine if:

  • You live with someone who has the Hepatitis A virus
  • You ate at a place with a recent hepatitis A outbreak
  • You recently engaged sexually with someone who has hepatitis A
  • You travelled to areas with high prevalence or places with poor sanitation, like Central America, South America and Mexico.

Causes of this infection

This liver infection is caused when the Hepatitis A virus is introduced to the body, infecting the liver and causing inflammation. This can have a significant impact on how the liver functions. Hepatitis A virus spreads when infected stool comes in contact with another person's mouth, which is commonly known as faecal-oral transmission. Food and water that has come in contact with infected stool can also spread this virus if it is ingested. If you come in close contact with an infected person, you might also contract this liver infection.

The Hepatitis A virus does not spread through casual coughing or sneezing.

Here are some ways that the virus can spread:

  • Drinking contaminated water
  • Eating contaminated food
  • Being in close contact with an infected person that shows mild to no symptoms
  • Engaging in sexual activities with someone who has the virus
  • Eating uncooked shellfish from water contaminated with sewage

What are the risk factors of Hepatitis A?

Certain things might put you at higher risk of getting an infection, including:

  • Are homeless
  • Are HIV positive
  • You make use of recreational drugs
  • Are a man who has sex with men
  • Work and travel to places with high spread of Hepatitis A
  • Live with a partner who has Hepatitis A
  • Engaging in sexual activities with someone who has the virus

What are some complications of Hepatitis A?

Similar to Hepatitis B and C, Hepatitis A affects the liver, causing inflammation and affecting the general liver functions. Hepatitis A does not lead to long-term damage of the liver and rarely leads to a chronic infection.

You may notice acute infection in a few cases, but this is common among older adults or people with chronic liver diseases. Severe cases of people with acute liver infection may require a liver transplant. If you have acute liver failure, your medical expert will require you to stay at the hospital for treatment and close monitoring.

How can I prevent myself from getting Hepatitis A?

The best way to prevent yourself from this infection is by getting the Hepatitis A vaccine, which is commonly given in 2 shots. The first shot and a follow-up booster shot after 6 months are given. Your medical practitioner may administer the vaccine alongside the Hepatitis B vaccine to prevent other liver infections. This combination requires 3 shots over a 6-month period.

People under the following categories should get the hepatitis A vaccine, including:

  • People aged one or older who are homeless
  • Men who have sex with men
  • All children at one year or older who never got the vaccine as a child
  • Infants between 6-12 months who might be going to areas with high hepatitis A incidence
  • People who work directly with hepatitis A carriers
  • People who work or travel to areas where there is a widespread Hepatitis A
  • Anyone who wants to prevent Hepatitis A infection
  • People who have hepatitis B, C or any other liver disease
  • Lab workers who may come in frequent contact with Hepatitis A
  • People who use recreational drugs

Safety precautions to follow when travelling

If the country you plan to visit next has a Hepatitis A outbreak, you might need to take some necessary precautionary steps to stay safe. Make sure you take these steps:

  • Avoid eating undercooked or raw fish or meat
  • Only drink bottled water and use it to brush your teeth
  • Wash every vegetable or fruit using bottled water, and don't buy peeled fruits or cut vegetables.
  • If you can't access bottled water, make sure you boil tap water properly before drinking or using it
  • Don't buy any beverage of unknown purity

Practice good hygiene

Frequent washing of your hands can go a long way to reduce your risk of getting this infection. Always wash your hands after changing a diaper or using the toilet before you touch food or cook anything.

Get tested!

If you think you might have been exposed to Hepatitis A or have any symptoms of this infection, you can visit STI Clinic UK to get Hepatitis A testing. Contact our medical practitioners today, and we will surely provide you with world-class health services.