Fact Checked
Overview Of Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis A (also referred to as contagious hepatitis) is a severe infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus.
Symptoms Of Hepatitis A
- The symptoms of Hepatitis A are fever, severe pain, vomiting, loss of appetite and abdominal pain.
- Dark urine is generally the first definite sign of Hepatitis A, followed by jaundice (where the eyes and skin turn yellow).
- The severity and duration of the illness differs, though most individuals feel better after three weeks.
- The disease is generally more severe in adults than in kids. In adults, Hepatitis A intermittently presents itself as a severe, disabling illness lasting a few months.
Treatment Of Hepatitis A
- There is no exact treatment for Hepatitis A. The main aim is to treat the symptoms of the virus.
- Individuals with Hepatitis A can become so ill that they will need to be admitted to hospital, though this is uncommon.
Prevention Hepatitis A
- Individuals with Hepatitis A should not go back to work or school until they are no longer contagious which is at least a week.
- Washing your hands and thorough cleanliness is vital and are the most efficient ways of decreasing the spread of Hepatitis A.
- Hands should be cleaned carefully with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds and then dried meticulously.
- It is important to clean hands after using the toilet, handling linen or when cooking food.
Assistance With Hepatitis A
For additional assistance, please get in touch with your local GP, health care center, or nearby public health clinic. You can be vaccinated at your local GP or health center.