Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver. It’s highly contagious in all stages and can cause a variety of symptoms. Transmission of hepatitis A is preventable and it’s important to know how it is transmitted so people can do their best to avoid being infected by the virus.
The CDC identified what groups of people are at increased risk of being infected by hepatitis A (hep A), and they include the following:
- Illegal drug users – People who illegally use injectable drugs, share needles or reuse needles combined with a lack of proper hygiene are all at high risk for contracting and transmitting the hep A virus. The virus can live for months outside of the body.
- Men who have sex with men – Hep A is transmitted through the exchange of bodily fluids which can occur during intercourse and oral sex.
- People who experience homelessness – The availability of clean food and water is limited to the homeless population as is the ability to practice good hygiene. This increases the risk of contracting and transmitting hep A.
- International travelers – People who travel to countries where Hepatitis A is commonly diagnosed. It is very easy to contract hep A by drinking the local water, including ice in beverages, or eating fresh fruits and vegetables that were handled by someone with hep A.
- People with an occupational risk for exposure – People who work in the hospitality industry, food and beverage industry and all healthcare workers are at high risk for contracting hep A.
Cases of hepatitis A have been in the news often as transmission is on the rise. Hepatitis A is easily transmitted by ingesting contaminated water or food that has been handled by a person who is already infected and does not practice good hygiene. Prevention of hepatitis A is one of the many reasons that “Employees Must Wash Their Hands Before Returning to Work” signs are posted in restaurant washrooms. As with all viruses, bodily fluids are the main source of transmission of the virus.
If infected, hepatitis A is short-lived, and there are no long-term effects. Most people recover and no permanent liver damage occurs. There is a vaccination for hepatitis A. If administered within two weeks of known exposure, it’s highly effective in preventing the disease progressing. Once a person has been diagnosed with hepatitis A, they will not contract the virus again as a result of natural occurring antibodies which prevent re-infection.
Symptoms of hepatitis A do not always manifest, especially in mild cases. These are the symptoms of hep A to look for if you suspect you’ve been infected: Fatigue, sudden nausea and vomiting, blood in the stool, loss of appetite, low grade fever, dark urine, joint pain, intense itching and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). It’s important to note that these symptoms also occur with hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Diagnosis must be made to distinguish what treatment protocol needs to be followed.
Infections Managed is here to help answer your questions and begin the necessary management of the infection. Please contact us as soon as possible to schedule an appointment – let’s get you healthy.