HEPATITIS A

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A or infectious jaundice is caused by a picornavirus. It is transmitted by the orofecal route, transmitted to humans through methods such as contaminated food. It causes an acute form of hepatitis and does not have a chronic stage. The patients immune system makes antibodies against hepatitis A that confer immunity against future infection. People with hepatitis A are advised to rest, stay hydrated and avoid alcohol. A vaccine is available that will prevent infection from hepatitis A for life. Hepatitis A can be spread through personal contact, consumption of raw sea food or drinking contaminated water. This occurs primarily in third world countries. Strict personal hygiene and the avoidance of raw and unpeeled foods can help prevent an infection. Infected people excrete the hepatitis A virus with their faeces two weeks before and one week after the appearance of jaundice. The time between the infection and the start of the illness can run from. 15 to 45 days, and approximately 15 per cent of sufferers may experience relapsing symptoms from six months to a year following initial diagnosis