What it is, causes, symptoms and how to prevent it Looking after your health?
One of the infectious diseases that has raised alarm in Costa Rica this year is hepatitis A.the disease is a virus heparinatotrope, that is, it prefers to be located in the liver.Immune response to virus produces symptoms ranging from flu-like symptoms to exhaustion heparinSudden onset and death, but fortunately, this occurs in less than 1% of the affected population.
Gastroenterologist Dr. William Piedra Carvajal said most patients were asymptomatic, which allowed the virus to spread easily from person to person.
Some routes of transmission are through the fecal-oral route, fecal contamination of water or food, and to a lesser extent other body fluids. Hepatitis A can also be spread by coming into contact with someone who has the disease through unprotected sex or sharing needles for certain medications.
symptom:
- fatigue
- fever
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- stomach ache
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
Some foods are more likely to be hepatitis A vectors because of their properties, such as some raw shellfish, chuchecas, pianguas, etc. Prevention is achieved through hygienic measures, hand washing and isolation of infected persons on the first day of infection.
Dr. Carvajal de la Torre said Hepatitis A is not a chronic disease, so once a patient becomes infected, he will not get the disease again, the infection makes the system react to the disease Getting immunized is like being vaccinated to power medical treatment.
The disease leaves patients with no long-term sequelae and no serious complications. Older adults or people who already have other liver disease are at greater risk. Children and patients who are at risk due to individual characteristics must be vaccinated.
suggestion:
- Vaccination: The hepatitis A vaccine is one of the most effective ways to prevent the disease. It is recommended for children over 12 months and adults who have not previously been vaccinated. In addition, people traveling to areas where the disease is endemic should strongly consider vaccination.
- personal hygiene: Washing your hands regularly with soap and water, especially before eating or preparing food, is critical to preventing the spread of disease. If soap and water are not available, a 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used.
- food safety: It is essential to eat safe foods and avoid those that may be contaminated. Be sure to drink clean water, wash fruits and vegetables before eating them, and cook food at the right temperature to kill possible viruses and bacteria.
- Good Hygiene Practices: Maintaining a clean and hygienic environment is essential to preventing hepatitis A. Adequate measures must be taken to treat wastewater and ensure sanitation in public areas, especially schools, restaurants and public places.