Hepatitis A and jaundice
Hepatitis
 |
Hepatitis is a viral infection of the liver. |
|
|
Different viruses cause hepatitis, but they all produce a very similar illness that usually starts with flu like symptoms, progressing suddenly to loss of appetite, fatigue, fever, and nausea and vomiting. |
|
|
Smokers notice a sudden distaste for cigarettes. |
|
|
A rash and aching joints sometimes occur. |
|
|
Between 3 and 10 days later, the urine becomes dark and jaundice (yellowish skin and eyes) appears. Most people feel better at this point, even though the jaundice becomes worse. |
|
|
The jaundice worsens for 1 to 2 weeks, then begins to fade over 2 to 4 weeks. |
|
|
Hepatitis usually resolves completely, but occasionally complications develop, including chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, or even liver failure. |
Hepatitis A Facts
 |
Jaundice (yellowness of eyes, skin and urine) is most commonly due to hepatitis A infection. |
|
|
Hepatitis A and hepatitis B are two different diseases. |
|
|
Hepatitis A spreads through contaminated food and water and close person to person contact. |
|
|
Vaccination with Hepatitis B vaccine can not afford protection against Hepatitis A and vice versa. |
|
|
Raw or insufficiently cooked food (fruits, vegetable salads, seafood) or cooked food handled by an infected individual can be a source of Hepatitis A infection. |
|
|
You and your child may be at risk of getting exposed to hepatitis A infection at schools/nurseries/day care centers / swimming pools etc. |
|
|
Once infected, hepatitis A can cause loss of school days or work for 6 weeks to 3 months and in some cases may lead to severe liver disease which could be fatal. |
General preventive measures include
|
|
Ensuring proper sanitation. |
|
|
Maintaining personal hygiene. |
|
|
Avoiding contaminated food and water. |