Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is just a few of the types of hepatitis , which is one of the most common diseases affecting the liver . In this condition, the liver is swollen due to hepatitis A virus (HAV). When the HAV is affected by the liver, the patient may experience inflammation of the skin and eyes , skin irritation, fever, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, extreme fatigue, and joint pain. Apart from this, it is also noted that the urine becomes yellowish and black and the stools turn gray.

HAVs are usually obtained when the patient eats or drinks contaminated food and water. Food can be contaminated if the person who prepared it did not wash their hands thoroughly. Moreover, HAV can also be obtained by having sex with the infected person .

Non-serious cases of hepatitis A are quickly remedied. In fact, it can be cured by having enough rest and eating a balanced and nutritious diet. Viruses such as hepatitis A do not have a specific drug and only wait for the body's immune system to fight the virus. However, medicines may be prescribed to the patient to alleviate other symptoms, such as fever and vomiting.

History

Hepatitis is a very common condition from ancient times. According to the data, hepatitis A affects over 1.4 million people worldwide every year.

In 2018, the worst hepatitis A outbreak occurred in Kentucky in the United States. The outbreak is believed to have begun in 2017, but its incidence is higher in 2018. A total of 6 people have died from hepatitis A, while 969 have been infected.

According to the records, there are many reasons why hepatitis A outbreaks have occurred in different countries over the years. This includes eating contaminated onions, seafood, frozen berries, and more.

Causes

The most common cause of hepatitis A is the hepatitis A virus (HAV). This virus can be acquired by the following:

Not washing hands. If you do not wash your hands properly before eating, any dirt or germ may be added to the food when touched.

Eating contaminated food. Food can be contaminated if infected with small amounts of human stains.

Drinking contaminated water. If the source of drinking water is rivers and streams, it can be contaminated by human pollutants Some people make rivers and streams irrigated and make them unsafe to drink.

Eating raw seafood. Raw seafood such as mussels, salads, and others may carry HAV especially if they live in contaminated water.

Use of impure ice. Hepatitis A can also develop if the water used to make ice is polluted. So when you include contaminated ice in your drinks, you can still have one

Sex with the infected person . Although very rare, hepatitis A can also be had when having sex with an infected person , especially if you have anal sex without a condom. In the case of anal sex, the penis is infected with the partner's stool and the virus can enter the body.

Symptoms

If you have hepatitis A, you may experience the following symptoms:

· Skin irritation and eyes

· Skin irritation

· Having a fever

· Nausea and vomiting

· Abdominal pain especially on the right side

· Experiencing extreme stress

· Pain of joints

· Having yellow and dark urine color

· Grayness of dirt

Symptoms of hepatitis A are usually not severe. In some cases, symptoms may not even show the patient if they are affected. However, the most common symptoms to be noticed in people with hepatitis are jaundice and eyes.

Risk Factors

Hepatitis A virus can be found anywhere. Children or adults can have it too. However, the risk of this disease is higher due to the following factors:

· Travel to places where there are many cases of hepatitis A

· Working in child care centers

· Living with an infected person

· Having sex with an infected person

· Homosexuality

· Other diseases such as HIV and hemophilia

· Use of illicit drugs

Complications

Hepatitis A. is usually not dangerous, however, if the condition is severe, the patient may have the following complications:

· Liver failure or liver failure

· Having nervous system disorders such as Guillain-Barre syndrome

· Chronic infection of the pancreas or pancreatitis

The complications mentioned are very rare. However, if it does, it can endanger the patient's life. So if you have hepatitis A, consult your doctor immediately so it doesn't get worse.

To avoid having hepatitis A, practice the following:

· Washing hands. Practice hand washing so that it will not contaminate the foods you eat.

· Cooking foods carefully. Germs die from heat especially when cooked properly. Avoid eating raw foods especially raw seafood.

· Filtration and boiling of drinking water. If drinking water is taken into rivers or streams, filter it and boil it before drinking it so that its germs die.

· Using condoms for sex. When having sex, be sure to use a condom so that no dirt can get into the vagina.

· Maintaining a clean home and environment. Regularly sweep and clean the home and surroundings so that those who use disinfectants do not have to clean the bathroom and kitchen. Disinfect objects that are often touched, such as doorknobs, remote controls, and others.

· Avoid areas with known outbreaks . If traveling abroad, be sure to only go to areas without active hepatitis A cases .

· Use When working as a teacher or nurse in child care centers, the student may be contaminated with his saliva. If it helps to clean it, practice using gloves to prevent dirt from getting dirty.

· Eat only in clean areas. When eating out, make sure the dining area is clean. Before using the cutlery, wipe it first with a tissue.

· Home care with accompanying people If you currently have a patient with hepatitis A, be sure to clean the entire house and provide the patient with his or her own glasses, tableware, towels, and other personal items so as to avoid possible infection.

· Vaccine is available to prevent hepatitis A. Can go to public or private hospitals for vaccination.