Hepatitis A

The virus Hepatitis A it is one of the 6 main viruses responsible for hepatitis. It is a group of viruses that have a special affinity for the hepatocyte or liver cell, within which they multiply. Hepatitis A is a benign, self-limited disease that heals without leaving sequelae. Patients are symptom free within 3 to 6 months. Serious complications of the disease such as liver failure or death are rare in previously healthy people.

How does the disease occur?

The hepatitis A virus is found in contaminated animal or human feces by this virus. People become infected when they come into contact with contaminated feces or with water or utensils contaminated by these feces. Hepatitis A is said to be a typical traveler's illness who travels to underdeveloped countries.

How is Hepatitis A spread?

The main routes of infection for man are:

• Eating contaminated food by feces of animals or people carrying the virus (for example, through fresh products such as fruits or vegetables that have not been properly washed)
• Drinking contaminated water with feces carrying the virus, for example, in areas of the world where hygiene or sanitary conditions are poor.
• For contact with contaminated hands with feces carrying the virus.
• For anal sexual contact with a person infected with the virus.

People infected with the virus can transmit the disease from the moment they were infected by the virus up to 2 weeks later the first symptoms of disease appear. Immunosuppressed people can transmit the disease up to 6 months after being infected by the virus.

Symptoms of Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A may be asymptomatic, especially in children. When it is symptomatic, the main symptoms that may appear are:

• Fatigue
• High fever
• Abdominal discomfort
• Flu syndrome (cough, sneezing, chills, generalized bone or joint pain)
• Itchy skin
• Change in color of the skin and mucous membranes (yellowing)
• Change in color of stool (whitish stool).

Diagnosis of the disease

The diagnosis of hepatitis A is made by the general practitioner or internist in the consultation of the medical center or hospital. The diagnosis is based on the physical examination of the patient, the symptomatology who presents and the results of the studies complementary tests that are carried out, among which are a blood test and a liver ultrasound (they must show signs of liver inflammation and / or the presence of the virus or antibodies)

Hepatitis A virus treatment

In most cases, treatment is performed on an outpatient basis, with bed rest and medication for the symptoms that the patient may present. A recommended good hydration by drinking plenty of fluids. There should also be a low-fat diet to avoid vomiting and digestive problems.

Severe cases in which signs of liver failure are observed (alteration of its function) require hospital admission for treatment.

Disease prevention

Hepatitis A can be prevented by using the Hepatitis A virus vaccine. Therefore, people traveling to underdeveloped or endemic countries for Hepatitis A information should be received at international vaccination centers before starting your trip.