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What is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection that is caused by the hepatitis A virus. Different people have different symptoms of hepatitis A. Some may have a mild illness lasting for a few weeks, while some people may have more severe health issues that can last months. Generally, it is said that Hepatitis A main causes is when you eat or drink something that has been exposed from a person who has been infected by the hepatitis A virus. Hepatitis a virus is not generally dangerous as compared to the other types. A person will usually get recovered completely. However, it might take a little longer to cure, therefore it is important that you take care of yourself properly.

Causes of Hepatitis A

A person gets Hepatitis A in case he/she drinks contaminated water or eats contaminated food with the stools of a person infected with the hepatitis a virus. It is said that having food or drinking water that has been dirtied or contaminated with a person’s stool who has the active virus.

Mentioned below are some of the causes of Hepatitis transmission:

  • Eating vegetables, fruits, or other foods that were contaminated or dirtied during handling
  • Eating raw shellfish that was harvested from water that already has the hepatitis a virus in it
  • Swallowing of contaminated ice

Treatment

Diagnosis of Hepatitis A

Your doctor will suspect hepatitis a virus in case you have symptoms such as dark urine, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, flu symptoms such as body aches, fever, fatigue, jaundice, explained weight loss, etc. In case you have higher levels of liver enzymes post a blood test, your hepatitis a diagnosis will be done based on the below mentioned blood tests:

  • IgM (immunoglobulin M) antibodies. Your body will make such antibodies when you’re first exposed to hepatitis A. This is because, such antibodies will remain in your bloodstream for around 3 to 6 months
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  • IgG ( immunoglobulin G) antibodies. These show up post the virus has stayed in your body for a while. Such antibodies may live in your bloodstream all your life. They will protect you against hepatitis A for youe entire life. In case you test positive for IgG however test negative for IgM antibodies, it reflects that you had a hepatitis A infection sometime in the past or you’ve been given a vaccination against it.

What are the available Hepatitis A treatment options?

There is no Hepatitis A treatment till today. Generally, your body does the duty of clearing off the hepatitis A virus on its own. Mostly, the liver will heal within 6 months without showing any lasting damage.

Hepatitis A treatment mostly focuses on being comfortable and also by controlling signs as well as symptoms. All you can do is:

  • Rest. Since the hepatitis A infection make you feel tired and sick, you should take maximum rest. You may also feel low and have less energy.
  • Avoid alcohol. Due to hepatitis A infection, your liver will find it difficult to process medications as well as alcohol. Therefore, it is best to avoid alcohol and take medications under a doctor’s supervision.
  • Manage nausea. Nausea may make things worse for eating and drinking. Therefore, it is advisable to snack throughout the day rather than eating fuller meals. Drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated if vomiting occurs.

Is Hepatitis A curable?

As mentioned earlier, currently there is no cure for hepatitis A, however it normally starts getting better on its own within a few months. However, it is best to visit a doctor in case you get symptoms of hepatitis a virus as well as simultaneously look after yourself at home.

Are there any natural or homemade remedies for Hepatitis A?

Since there is no exact cure for hepatitis A virus, you make still take some steps for reducing the risk of passing the virus to another person.

  • Avoid sexual activity. If you have been diagnosed with hepatitis A virus, it is best to avoid any sort of sexual activity. Your partner might get the infection immediately even if you use condoms because they don't provide adequate protection.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly post using the toilet as well as changing diapers: It is important that you wash your hands with a hand wash or soap for atleast 20 seconds and then rinse well post using a toilet or changing a diaper. You can then dry your hands with a disposable towel.
  • Avoid preparing food for others if you're actively infected. You can pass on the hepatitis A virus to another person easily if you cook food for them when you are actively infected with the virus.

When to see a doctor?

In case you get signs or symptoms of hepatitis A, it is advisable to visit the doctor immediately. You may prevent hepatitis A infection, in case you take a vaccine immunoglobulin within two weeks from the exposure to hepatitis A. This injection is nothing but an antibody. You should enquire with your doctor about receiving the hepatitis A vaccination if:

  • A hotel or a stall or a restaurant that you recently ate reported of Hepatitis A vaccine
  • You were sexually active with a person who has been infected with Hepatitis A
  • You have recently travelled to a country that has poor sanitation.
  • If a family member or your caregiver has been diagnosed with the Hepatitis A virus.

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