Nursing

What is hepatitis A? Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by a virus. Hepatitis affects the liver, impairing function and often causing the skin and whites of the eyes to take on a yellow color (a condition called jaundice). Hepatitis A is usually quite mild and rarely results in any permanent liver damage. Who gets hepatitis A and how is it spread? Most people contract hepatitis A by the fecal-oral route. You can also become infected by sexual contact with an infected person. Improper disposal of sewage, overcrowding, and unsanitary conditions promote the spread of the virus. Outbreaks of hepatitis A have been caused by infected food handlers or by eating raw or inadequately cooked shellfish (i.e., oysters, clams, etc.) harvested from fecal contaminated waters. What are the symptoms of hepatitis A and when do they start? Hepatitis A ranges from a relatively mild ailment lasting one to two weeks, to a severe, disabling illness lasting for several weeks or more. The symptoms include the abrupt onset of fever, stomach pain, loss of appetite, headache, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea (which can be especially dangerous in young children). The urine may turn dark golden-brown in color, followed several days later by pale colored stools and jaundice of the skin and whites of the eyes. The symptoms usually begin four weeks after infection with the virus, but the onset can range from two to seven weeks. How long is hepatitis A contagious? The contagious period of hepatitis A begins one to two weeks before the symptoms begin and lasts seven to ten days following onset of dark urine or jaundice. If no dark urine or jaundice appears, then a person is still considered contagious for at least two weeks after the onset of the first symptoms. Once a person acquires and recovers from hepatitis A, they are protected for life; however there is no medication to treat hepatitis A. Is there a vaccine for hepatitis A? Yes. The vaccine is recommended for those living in areas that have a high incidence rate of hepatitis A. Anyone who wishes to be vaccinated against hepatitis A can consult with their physician and/or the local public health office. How can hepatitis A be prevented? The best way to prevent hepatitis A infection is through immunization. Other precautions that can be taken include proper sanitation (thoroughly washing your hands after using the restroom and/or changing diapers and especially before handling food), avoiding untreated water supplies, and eating thoroughly cooked meals. There is a shot called immune globulin (IG) that can be given to household members, sexual partners, and other close contacts of a person who is contagious. IG is approximately 90% effective in either preventing or lessening the effects of hepatitis A when given within two weeks of exposure to the virus. Wyoming Department of Health 2300 Capitol Ave. Cheyenne WY 82002 (307) 777- 7172 (Photo courtesy of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)