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Hepatitis is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver. It is the most common of the seven known types of viral hepatitis. Symptoms include a short, mild, flu-like illness, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea; loss of appetite; weight loss; jaundice (yellow skin and whites of eyes, darker yellow urine and pale faeces); itchy skin; Abdominal pain. Once a person has been infected and their body has fought off the

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40 views

Project in Mapeh

Hepatitis is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver. It is the most common of the seven known types of viral hepatitis. Symptoms include a short, mild, flu-like illness, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea; loss of appetite; weight loss; jaundice (yellow skin and whites of eyes, darker yellow urine and pale faeces); itchy skin; Abdominal pain. Once a person has been infected and their body has fought off the

Uploaded by

Jeff Cadimas
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Hepatitis A

>>The most common of the seven known types of viral hepatitis. Infection with the hepatitis A virus leads to inflammation of the liver, but complications are rarely serious.

Signs and symptoms of hepatitis A


It is possible to experience mild or no symptoms whatsoever, but even if this is the case the persons faeces will still be infectious to others. Many people who become infected with HAV will have symptoms that include:

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A short, mild, flu-like illness; nausea, vomiting and diarrhea; loss of appetite; weight loss; jaundice (yellow skin and whites of eyes, darker yellow urine and pale faeces); itchy skin; Abdominal pain.

The infection usually clears in up to 2 months, but may occasionally recur or persist longer in some people. Once a person has been infected and their body has fought off the virus they are permanently immune. Occasionally symptoms may be severe and require monitoring in hospital.

How hepatitis A is spread


The hepatitis A virus (HAV) is found in the faeces of someone infected with the virus. It only takes a tiny amount of faeces getting inside another persons mouth to cause hepatitis A infection. Personal hygiene, such as careful hand washing, can minimize the risk of the virus being passed on. HAV is a common infection in many parts of the world where sanitation and sewage infrastructure is poor. Often people become infected with HAV by eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Hepatitis A is also classed as a sexually transmitted disease (STD) because it can be passed on sexually, particularly during activities such as anglings (rimming). The washing of genital and anal areas before sex, and the use of condoms or dental dams can help to prevent this risk.

Where to go for help?


If you have any symptoms or you are worried you may have been infected with hepatitis A, you should discuss your worries with a doctor. They may be able to run tests themselves, or else will refer you to someone who can. Some countries have specific sexual health clinics that can help you directly.

What does a positive test result mean?


HAV is tested for using a blood test. A positive test result means the patient has either had a past infection or is currently infected. The type of antibody detected in the test will indicate whether the infection is current or has been cleared. A patient who tests positive may be asked about recent contacts and sexual partners that may need to be tested too. A patient who has already had the infection and fought it off is naturally immune to HAV.

What does a negative test result mean?


A negative test result means the patient is not infected with Hepatitis A. If the patient is believed to be at high or ongoing risk of infection, a doctor may advise immunization.

Treatment for hepatitis A


There is no specific treatment for HAV and most people fight off the virus naturally, returning to full health within a couple of months. The doctor will advise avoiding alcohol and fatty foods as these can be hard for the liver to process and may exacerbate the inflammation.
Patients should get plenty of rest and eat a nutritious diet. They should also ensure they do not spread HAV by washing their hands after using the toilet and before preparing food. Patients with more severe symptoms may be monitored in hospital for a short period. Someone who is infected with hepatitis A should limit the amount of alcohol they drink. Their doctor may also offer dietary advice. The doctor will advise about any precautions necessary to avoid infecting others with the virus.

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