Hepatitis A is a disease affecting the liver. Fortunately, it does not lead to a chronic illness.
Spread by fecal or oral means, Hepatitis A can also be caused by eating contaminated food. There is a
vaccine available for Hepatitis A which is given to a child at the age of 12 months, and then again six months later. It is recommended that the vaccine be given in households where an infected person lives or where Hepatitis A is rampant, such as in developing countries.
The risk of aquiring Hepatitis increases when there are men having sexual contact with other men, where drugs are given by I.V. where the needles could be affected, and in areas where an outbreak of Hep A has occurred.
Eating raw and undercooked seafood can also preclude a Hep A infectiion which will target the liver and make a person very ill. Drinking water (tap or well) in countries where Hep A is common may bring on the disease.
This virus will last from a few weeks to several months. It can leave one feeling weak and exhausted. Prior to being diagnosed, a patient may feel as if he or she has the flu. The color of one's stools may be very light and urine may be quite dark. Look for a yellowish tinge to the skin, as in jaundice.
A vaccination later in life can ward off the onset of Hepatitis A if one is planning a trip outside the U.S. or will be visiting a household where the disease is present. It is wise to take immune globulin within two weeks of known exposure to anyone with Hep A. Repeated hand washing, use of household bleach when cleaning areas where bacteria may accumulate and practicing safe sex are all relevant in protecting one against this disease.