Hepatitis A is a disease caused by the hepatitis A virus that affects the liver. It is also called Botkin's disease. This disease can have both a mild and severe course.
Hepatitis A virus is transmitted:
- by eating contaminated food or water that may contain feces from infected people;
- through poor personal hygiene;
- in families when an infected person prepares food for all family members;
- through a shared syringe when injecting drugs;
- in rare cases, hepatitis A infection can occur as a result of anal intercourse with an infected person.
Hepatitis A virus persists in water for 3 to 10 months, in feces for up to 30 days, and in a dry environment at room temperature for a week. HAV dies after 5 minutes of boiling.
The incubation period of viral hepatitis A usually lasts 14-28 days.
The most common symptoms include:
- weakness and fatigue;
- fever;
- loss of appetite;
- diarrhea;
- vomiting;
- unpleasant sensations in the abdomen;
- heaviness in the right hypochondrium;
- darkening of urine;
- yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).
After suffering from hepatitis A, lifelong immunity is formed.
Prevention of hepatitis A
Simple daily rules will help protect against the disease:
- Washing hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially before cooking/eating and after each visit to the toilet;
- Drinking only bottled or boiled water unless you are sure that tap or well water is safe;
- washing vegetables and fruits with clean water.
There is a safe and effective vaccine to prevent HAV infection. It is recommended, i.e. not included in the National Vaccination Schedule. You can buy it in pharmacies.
It is important to get vaccinated against hepatitis A for adults who work in public catering establishments, food processing plants, water treatment and sewage facilities.
If you notice any symptoms of the disease, contact your family doctor immediately!
