Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. Hepatitis A is preventable by vaccine. It spreads from contaminated food or water, or contact with someone who is infected.
The incubation period of hepatitis A is usually 14-28 days. Symptoms range from mild to severe, and can include fatigue , nausea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and low-grade fever. Also common is : dark urine, itching, weight loss, or yellow skin and eyes.
Treatment consists of preventative measures and self care. The condition clears up on its own in one or two months. Rest and adequate hydration can help, Eating small meals, and avoiding alcohol.
Hepatitis A can be preventable by practicing good personal hygiene-- washing hands after using the bathroom and before handling food or eating.
Getting vaccinated against the hepatitis A virus is the best way to prevent these problems. The vaccine has been shown to last at least for 10 years.
One dose of single-antigen hepatitis A vaccine administered at any time before international travel can provide adequate protection for most healthy persons.
The following groups are at increased risk of contracting hepatitis A and should receive vaccination: persons traveling to or working in countries that have high rate of infection, men who have sex with men, illegal-drug users, and persons who have occupational risk for infection. Also, children ( age 2-18) living in states/countries where the rate of hepatitis A are at least twice the national average.
You will need 2 doses for long-lasting protection, with doses given at least 6 months apart. With the recent outbreak of hepatitis A in some part of Los Angeles ( Long Beach ) its important to take necessary precaution and get vaccinated .
