Hepatitis A is an infectious liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). The disease can affect people of all ages and is mainly spread through ingestion of water or food contaminated with the virus. Although hepatitis A is a serious illness, in most cases people recover completely with no long-term consequences. In this article, we’ll use official sources to describe what hepatitis A is and what steps you should take if you become infected.
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What is hepatitis A?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). The virus is found in the feces of infected people and can be spread through contact with objects, food or water contaminated with the virus. Hepatitis A can cause symptoms such as fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, pale stools, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) explain that hepatitis A is primarily spread through ingestion of water or food contaminated with feces from an infected person. It can also be spread through close contact with an infected person, such as personal care or sexual intercourse. Proper hygiene, such as handwashing with soap and water, is critical to preventing the spread of the virus.
What should I do if I get hepatitis A?
If you think you may have hepatitis A or have been diagnosed with the disease, it is important to take appropriate steps for your health and to prevent spreading the virus to others. According to information from the CDC, the following steps should be followed:
Consult a health professional: If you have symptoms of hepatitis A or have been in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with hepatitis A, seek medical attention immediately. A healthcare professional can confirm the diagnosis and provide guidance on appropriate treatment.
Rest and take care of yourself: Hepatitis A can cause fatigue and discomfort. Get adequate rest and follow medical advice to manage symptoms.
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Avoid alcohol and certain drugs: Drinking alcohol and certain drugs can worsen liver damage caused by hepatitis A. Talk to your doctor about which medications to avoid during an infection.
Maintain good personal hygiene: Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom and before handling food. This helps prevent the virus from spreading to others.
Inform your close contacts– Notify people who have been in close contact with you, such as family, friends and sexual partners, so that they can take steps to protect themselves and seek medical attention if necessary.
Vaccination: If you have not yet received the hepatitis A vaccine, it is important to consider this option. The vaccine is effective in preventing the disease and is widely used in many parts of the world.
Follow medical advice: Follow your doctor’s instructions for treatment and monitoring of your illness. Most people fully recover from hepatitis A, but it’s important to follow your health care plan.
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Simply put, hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus and is spread primarily through the ingestion of contaminated food or water. If you become infected with hepatitis A, seek medical advice, follow medical advice, practice personal hygiene, and notify your close contacts to prevent the spread of the virus. Vaccination is also an effective measure to prevent the disease. Taking these precautions is important to protect your health and the health of those around you.
**This article was written with the help of artificial intelligence.