Hepatitis A
What is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is one of the most widespread infectious diseases worldwide. it is cause by the HepatitisA virus and is common in place with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. The virus attacks the liver and causes varying degree of illness in patients.
   
 
What Are the Symptoms?

Some people who are infected with hepatitis A do no get very ill. Some do not get sick at all. Children are more likely than adults to show no symptoms even if they are infected. In more severe cases, hepatitis A can cause:·

  • Loss of appetite.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Pain in the liver (under the right rib cage).
  • Jaundice (when the urine becomes darker than normal and the eyes and skin go yellow.

Symptoms may last for several weeks but full recovery is usual.

After catching the virus it usually takes about four weeks to become ill, but it can take any time from 15 to 50 days. People with hepatitis A can pass it on to others from two weeks before they show symptoms to one week after they become jaundiced.

 
   
 

 
How Does Hepatitis A Spread?

Hepatitis A occurs when the hepatitis A virus is taken in by mouth. The virus then multiplies in the liver and is passed in the faeces. An infected person’s hands can become contaminated after using the toilet and the virus then spreads by direct contact, or by food, beverages and other objects that were handled by the infected person, such as cups and spoons.

For example, hepatitis A can spread when people:·

  • Don’t wash their hands thoroughly after going to the toilet or changing nappies.
  • Eat non-cooked foods, such as salads, which have been contaminated by being handled by an infectious person.
  • Eat shellfish from contaminated waters.
  • Drink contaminated water.

Hepatitis A may also be spread sexually if there is contact with the anal area of anyone who is infectious.

 
   
 
How Can I Avoid Getting Hepatitis A?

By following these guidelines, everyone can do something to avoid getting hepatitis A.

Careful Hand Washing

Remember to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and hot running water for at least ten seconds:·

  • Before preparing food.
  • Between handling raw and ready to eat foods.
  • Before eating. · After going to the toilet or after changing nappies.
  • After handling used condoms or after contact with the anal area.

Food handlers should use single use, disposable paper towels or an air dryer to dry their hands. Cloth towels are not recommended as these get dirty quickly and can spread germs from one person to another.

Safer sex practices should also be adopted by using condoms. Make sure that you wash your hands after handling used condoms, or after contact with the anal area.

Household Cleaning

Bathrooms and toilets must be cleaned often to avoid the spread of viruses. Pay particular attention to surfaces such as toilet seats, handles, taps and nappy change tables.

Water from Untreated Sources

If a water supply comes from an untreated source, such as a lake or a river, it may be contaminated with human faeces. Always boil water from these sources before drinking it.

 
   
 
Immunisation

Some people are at increased risk of hepatitis A and should be immunised. Immunisation against hepatitis A involves a course of injections over six to 12 months and is highly effective in providing protection against this disease. To get the vaccine you need to visit a doctor.

The NHMRC recommend that the following people should be vaccinated:·

  • People who have liver disease or who have had a liver transplant.
  • People who regularly receive blood products, such as those used for treating haemophilia and other blood disorders.
  • Food handlers.
  • Men who have sexual contact with other men.
  • People travelling to developing countries.
  • People who are at occupational risk of exposure to hepatitis A, including:
    o Child care workers, particularly where the children are too young to have been toilet trained.
    o People who work with the intellectually disabled.
    o Health care workers and teachers in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
    o Health care workers in paediatric and infectious diseases wards, emergency rooms and intensive care units.
    o Sewerage Workers
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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