Causes And Prevention Of Hepatitis A

Viral Hepatitis is a contagious disease which causes liver to inflame. Those viruses which attack liver are known as hepatitis virus. The major predicament of this disease is inflammation of liver, which can prohibit the secretion of certain juices like bile, which is responsible for digestion thus, can be fatal. Though primary cause of hepatitis is virus but can also occur as a result of secondary medication, alcohol or drug consumption or through other toxins.

There are five types of Hepatitis virus- A, B, C, D, E and G, which was recently discovered.Although during 1990s, the cases of Hepatitis were claimed but none of them was substantiated hence, it was termed as a Hypothetical Disease. Most common types of Hepatitis are A, B, C. All three of them including Hepatitis E can be acute; which means can become severe, but B can C can become chronic; which means it can recur constantly and lasts long.

Although Hepatitis can be prevented by proper vaccination but in recent year USA has seen a surge in the cases of Hepatitis A. Since 2016, the disease has increased its presence in eight states of USA. About 1,390 cases of Hepatitis A were reported in 2015 and it only increased since then. In 2016, significant surge was notices and the number of cases went over 2000.

Cause of Hepatitis A
Lack of sanitation is the main cause for transmission of this viral disease. As a result, third world countries like Vietnam, Indonesian are most affected. People living in poor sanitary condition are at risk of contracting Hepatitis A.

They can be transmitted oral-faecal route which means that ingesting contaminated food can increase the risk of contraction. Hepatitis A is much common in people living near coastal areas and riversides as they consume contaminated sea food, fishes and water.

Hepatitis A can also be transmitted by close physical contact like intimate kissing, but casual contacts are less likely to transmit it. Although precautions should be made while dealing with Hepatitis patient as according to US health department outbreak in Utah came from an infected seven-eleven employee.

Signs and Symptoms of Hepatitis A
Some of its symptoms are:-
vLow fever.
vSudden vomiting and nausea.
vAbdominal discomfort especially near liver and upper abdomen.
vNo urge to eat or loss of appetite.
vIncreased fatigue.
vIntense joint pain.
vDark yellow-coloured urine.
vChange of colour in bowel movement.
vItching.
vYellowing of skin and eyes.
Symptoms like yellowing of skin and eyes match with other diseases like jaundice, because they also attack liver and inhibit the secretion of bilirubin.

Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatitis A.

A vaccine is available that prevents Hepatitis A for 10 years. Though patient’s immune system makes anti bodies to prevent the future attack of virus, but vaccinations are consulted for avoiding relapse of the disease.

Patients with Hepatitis A are advised to take rest. The incubation period of the virus is 14-28 days, by then the body clears the virus itself. The liver heals itself within 6 months without any permanent damage.

Patients are discouraged to consume any alcohol during the medication course as it can inhibit the healing process and can be lethal. High-calorie and fluid consumption is advised for speedy recover. Although nausea makes it difficult, but taking light meals in short interval is better for recovery.

Prevention of Hepatitis A
You can use practise some of these steps for prevention of Hepatitis:-
·Drinking water from safe water sources.
·Maintaining hygiene at personal level, for example- proper hand washing.
·Disposing sewage properly to avoid contamination with tap water.
·Maintain a proper contact with contracted person.
·Travelling to places where the disease is an endemic.

Conclusion
Hepatitis A and other forms are viral disease with is curable with proper vaccination and medication. Alcohol and recreational drugs should be avoided to stop hindrance to the body. Person with Hepatitis A should take proper rest. Maintain sanitation is the key to eradicate hepatitis.