What To Do and How to Prevent Infection
Officials confirmed that an outbreak of hepatitis A is spreading across Broward County.
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection that is caused by the hepatitis A virus. It causes inflammation and affects your liver’s ability to function.
Hepatitis A is spread through food or beverages that have been contaminated by the fecal matter of somebody infected with the virus. Hepatitis A can affect you for several weeks to several months, depending on the severity of the infection.
Get Vaccinated Now – Can Protect You From Infection If Exposed
Getting a hepatitis A vaccine or an injection of immunoglobulin (an antibody) within two weeks of exposure may protect you from infection.
Please call our office to make an appointment at (954) 776-9992 or Schedule an appointment to get vaccinated today.
Here are some ways the hepatitis A virus can spread:
- Eating food touched by someone with the virus who didn’t wash their hands meticulously
- Drinking water that is contaminated
- Eating raw shellfish from water polluted with sewage
- Having sex with someone who has the virus
- Being in close contact with a person who’s infected, even if they do not have any signs or symptoms
Your risk of hepatitis A increases if you:
- Attend child care or work in a child care center
- Are a man who has sexual contact with other men
- Have any type of sexual contact with a person who has hepatitis A
- Are HIV positive
- Have a clotting-factor disorder, like hemophilia
- Use any type of illegal drugs (not just those that are injected)
If you any of the above situations or risk factors applies to you, and/or you are living in Broward County and are not vaccinated, please call our office to make an appointment at (954) 776-9992 or schedule an appointment online to get vaccinated today.
Signs and Symptoms of Hepatitis A
The signs and symptoms of Hepatitis A usually don’t occur until the virus has been in your body for a few weeks. Not everyone with hepatitis A develops symptoms. If you have them, they can include:
- Sudden nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain, typically focused on the upper-right side under your ribs
- Bowel movements the color of clay
- Loss of appetite
- Low fever
- Joint pain
- Itching
- Jaundice (yellowing skin and eyes)
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, make an appointment to see a doctor today.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you are not vaccinated against Hepatitis A so you can get your vaccination, or when you notice any of the above symptoms.
Please call our office to make an appointment at (954) 776-9992 or Click here to make an appointment to see a doctor today. We are here to help you!