Hepatitis A: what it is, what the symptoms are and how to prevent it

Find out how the disease is transmitted and the treatments needed to protect yourself from it

A hepatitis A is a viral disease that causes acute inflammation of the liver. “In most cases there is a positive and spontaneous evolution of the condition, however, a percentage of patients can progress to fulminant conditions, when the liver stops functioning,” says the Doctor Fernando de Oliveirainfectious disease specialist and coordinator of the Hospital Infection Control Service (SCIH) in São Luiz Morumbi.

OR liver It is an organ of our body that performs essential functions, including: filtering toxic substances and harmful microorganisms and aiding digestion with the production of bile, being an important link between the digestive system and the blood.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

According to the expert, hepatitis A can manifest itself asymptomatically. However, some patients may present fever, weakness, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, vomit, diarrhea, yellow eyes (jaundice), change in the color of your urine AND whitening of stool.

After infection, These symptoms may take 30 days to appearHowever, it is essential to remember that the affected person can transmit the problem from the first day. “It is usually the symptoms that give the alarm signal. In their absence, the person normally follows their routine and, in the case of hepatitis A, transmits the disease without knowing it, since they do not take preventive measures”, underlines the Doctor Fernando.

“If you have any suspicions, it is essential seek medical attention for investigation, diagnosis and reporting of the case,” he warns.

FORMS OF TRANSMISSION

Some of the ways hepatitis A is transmitted are:

• Oral-fecal: linked to poor hygiene and basic sanitary conditions;
• Consumption of Food OR waterfall contaminated;
• Close personal contact with an infected person;
• sexual practice with oral-anal contact (between infected people);

“Translating this into everyday life, contagion occurs through attitudes such as consuming untreated water and undisinfected or poorly prepared foods, and contact with sewage or flood water,” he says.

HOW TO PREVENT HEPATITIS A?

Overall, the prevention This occurs through the adoption of adequate hygiene habits, for example:

• Wash your hands often;
• Properly sanitize dishes and food;
• Avoid contact with contaminated water, such as floods and sewage;
• Do not share personal items.

Furthermore, sex with condom and cleaning the genitals, perineum and anal region before and after intercourse are also essential treatments to prevent infection.

A vaccination This is also fundamental, available in the Unified Health System (SUS), through the National Immunization Program (PNI). The single dose is part of the primary vaccination schedule for children aged 15 months to less than five years. But for people who do not fall into this age group and who have risk factors such as chronic liver or immunological diseases, it is possible to find the vaccine in special places around the city of Sao Paulo.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.