Hepatitis A
Author: mzPOTTER
Hepatitis type A is a disease characterized by acute inflammation of the liver caused by hepatitis A. The incubation period (time between arrival of the virus to the body and the development of the disease) ranges from 15 to 49 days. This virus is transmitted through ingestion of food contaminated with the virus, often raw or uncooked vegetables irrigated with sewage.
It is very common in children, although most of them do not show symptoms when the virus. Those who develop symptoms (approx. 5% of children), nausea, dark urine (urine color “Coca-Cola”) and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). 70% of adults have symptoms. Some of those affected, less than 1%, can develop fulminant liver failure, requiring liver transplantation arrive. However, in most cases the disease goes without leaving any sequelae and liver regenerates completely.
Hepatitis A hepatitis virus is most often attacks the liver, but also the most benign. Contracts only once, because the body generates permanent defenses against disease. There is no specific antiviral treatment for hepatitis A. This infection is completely preventable through a very safe and effective vaccine that should be applied routinely in all children. A people living under the same roof can be applied an immunoglobulin to prevent getting sick. This is given as an intra-muscular and is only effective within the first two weeks of contact with the patient. Only useful for those who have had hepatitis A before.
Apart from the vaccine and immune globulin, the main preventive measures are the improvement of food hygiene, universal availability of potable water and the non-consumption of vegetables irrigated with wastewater.