Hepatitis A cases among children increase dramatically during the monsoon season. What are the prevention and treatment methods?

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is the cause of hepatitis A, an inflammatory disease of the liver. Hepatitis A does not cause chronic liver disease like hepatitis B and C. However, it can cause acute debilitating symptoms and, less commonly, fulminant hepatitis (rapid liver failure), which can be fatal. Hepatitis A can be symptomatic or asymptomatic. In symptomatic cases, clinical symptoms range from mild to severe, including fever, malaise, loss of appetite, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, dark urine, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).

spread

HAV is more common, especially in children below 10 years of age and during the monsoon season. The disease is usually spread through the fecal-oral route, when uninfected and unvaccinated people consume contaminated food or water. Usually, people enjoy eating fried, spicy street food during the monsoon season. Because street food is often produced using unsafe water, reused oils for frying, presented and consumed in less than ideal locations, street food is often unhygienic or unhealthy to consume and can damage the digestive system . Additionally, humid monsoon weather is ideal for bacteria to lay eggs, increasing the risk of illness.

The risk of contracting hepatitis A virus is high for people who live in unsanitary conditions, lack clean water, have poor personal hygiene, or live with someone who is infected. Adults can become infected with this virus through substance abuse and close physical (sexual) contact with an infected person.

treat

Hepatitis A requires symptomatic treatment, as there is no specific treatment for this condition. It may take weeks or months for symptoms to subside, and recovery may be gradual. During the recovery process, it is crucial to maintain a healthy diet, nutritionally balanced foods, and adequate hydration and fluid balance.

prevention

The best measures to prevent hepatitis A include getting vaccinated against hepatitis A, avoiding contaminated food, drinking safe water, practicing sanitation and hygiene, and avoiding close contact with infected people.

Dr. Rajiv Lochan, Chief Consultant, HPB and Liver Transplantation, Manipal Hospital, Old Airport Road