Hepatitis A

DEFINITION: 

Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver

SYMPTOMS: 

  •     Fever
  •     Malaise
  •     Nausea
  •     Vomiting
  •     Decreased appetite
  •     Yellow skin and eyes (jaundice) 
  •     Abdominal pain

CAUSES: 

A virus, Hepatitis A virus (HAV) 

CONTAGION: 

Hepatitis A is contracted by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. It can be in: 

  •     Uncooked shellfish
  •     Uncooked fruits or vegetables 
  •     Drinks with contaminated water or ice cubes 
  •     The illness is passed fecal/orally, meaning that if a person who has the illness does not wash appropriately after stooling, the virus can transmit from the hands to food or objects that another person can then put into their mouth. The incubation period is four to six weeks.

DIAGNOSIS: 

Jaundice, along with fever, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, are suspicious for Hepatitis A. A blood test can then confirm the diagnosis.

TREATMENT: 

No treatment for Hepatitis A since this is a virus. Supportive measures include fluids and rest. 

OUTCOME:

Usually good. There are about 100,000 cases of Hepatitis A in the USA each year. There are no long-term complications of this illness. However, there are about 100 deaths per year during the acute stage of this illness. If you survive the acute stage, then the illness will resolve.

DISCUSSION: 

Hepatitis A is prevalent throughout the world. The illness is generally harmless but can affect some people severely. A vaccine for this virus became available in 1995. This vaccine is recommended for all children ages 12 months and above.  The vaccine is a two-dose series given six months apart.

ONE DOCTOR’S OPINION:

Hepatitis A is generally considered harmless; however, there are 100 deaths per year, and many people suffer greatly. I advocated over the years for the vaccine to become routine, and it finally did in the early 2000s. I would recommend this vaccine for anyone one year of age and above. 

 

This blog was written by Dr. Michael Bornstein, who has 30 years of experience as a pediatrician. 

Disclaimer: The contents of this article, including text and images, are for informational purposes only and do not constitute a medical service. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health professional for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.

You can find more information regarding Hepatitis A on the CDC website.