Hepatitis A Prevention: What You Can Do to Avoid This Viral Disease

Hepatitis A (also known as the hepatitis A) is a contagious disease of liver caused by the hepatitis Avirus (HAV). This is one of most prevalent vaccine-preventable illnesses in the world. Each year, approximately 1.4 Million cases are reported .

Contact with infected persons' feces can spread the virus. Infection can occur through contact with infected persons, contaminated foods and water, contact with someone with the disease or objects that are exposed to it. It is therefore important to learn how to avoid infection by hepatitis A.

What's Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A (hepatitis A) is a viral liver condition caused by the hepatitis Avirus (HAV). The virus is transmitted through direct contact with infected feces. It can lead to nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite.

There are many subtypes to the hepatitis A viruses, such as genotypes IA and IB. Genotype IA is the most prevalent subtype, accounting for over 90% of HAV-related infections around the world.

Hepatitis Common Causes

Hepatitis B is spread mainly by direct contact, or through the ingestion of contaminated food and water. It can be transmitted by sexual contact and injection drug abuse in some instances.

People who visit areas with hepatitis A are more at risk. These include countries in Central America and South America as well as Africa and Southeast Asia.

What is the treatment for Hepatitis?

Hepatitis B is typically treated by supportive care such as nutrition, fluids and rest. A person may require hospitalization if they are severely ill. Antiviral medication, like entecavir in some instances, can be used to reduce the symptoms and speed up recovery.

Treatment of Hepatitis: Recent Advancements

New antiviral drugs have been the focus of research into the treatment for hepatitis A. Recently, a new antiviral drug called ledipasvir/sofosbuvir has been approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis A. There are also several vaccines that may prevent the onset of hepatitis A.

Routine vaccination against Hepatitis A is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). This recommendation applies to children between 12 and 23 months of age, as well to high-risk people such as those who are HIV-positive, chronic liver disease sufferers, or those working with HAV-infected animals.

Is Hepatitis Possible to Prevent?

Hepatitis A can also be prevented by vaccinations and proper hygiene. Vaccines offer protection from the virus, and may help reduce the chance of getting infected. Children aged between 12 and 23 months old, as well as high-risk individuals are advised to get vaccinated.

Good hygiene habits, including washing your hands often, not coming in contact with people who are sick, properly cooking the food can also help prevent spread of the disease. Untreated water can also increase your risk of getting infected.

Conclusion

Hepatitis A (hepatitis A) is a contagious disease of the liver that can be transmitted by the hepatitis A viral virus (HAV). The virus spreads through direct contact with infected persons' feces and can lead to a variety of health problems. Hepatitis A can be prevented by vaccination and hygiene.

There is no treatment for hepatitis A. However, supportive care can help and in certain cases antiviral medication may be used. Many advances have been made in treating hepatitis A. These include new vaccines and antiviral medications.

You can protect yourself and your family from the potentially fatal disease by learning how to avoid infection with Hepatitis A and following the suggested prevention steps.