Hepatitis A- Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Managing Hepatitis A with the Help of an Internal Medicine Doctor
Symptoms and Treatment for Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is one of several viruses that attack the liver. The virus is found in human faeces (poo) and is commonly transmitted through contaminated food and water. However, it can also be transmitted through unprotected physical contact, particularly intercourse and needle sharing. Check with the Internal Medicine Doctor at Adam & Eve Specialized medical center to get the best medical guidance from the best internal medicine doctor in Abu Dhabi.
Most people recover completely without treatment, but a small percentage of people become very ill. A vaccine is available from Internal Medicine Doctor for those at a higher risk of contracting the virus.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A, also known as Hep A or HAV, is a viral infection that affects the liver. The virus is spread by eating or drinking food or water contaminated with an infected person's faeces. It is more prevalent in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene and a lack of clean water. It can, however, be transmitted through unprotected sex and needle sharing.
Hepatitis A is usually not severe and resolves on its own in 10 to 14 days. However, because hepatitis A shares many of the same symptoms as more serious hepatitis infections, such as hepatitis B or C, getting tested by an Internal Medicine Doctor is critical.
How does hepatitis A spread?
To infect someone, the hepatitis A virus must travel from human faeces into the mouth. You only need to be in contact with small amounts of faeces to become infected. Hepatitis A is most commonly transmitted by:
- Consuming food prepared by someone infected with the virus which has not properly washed their hands
- Consuming contaminated water (including ice cubes)
- Consuming raw or undercooked shellfish from contaminated water
- Injecting drugs with tainted equipment
- Being in close proximity to someone infected with hepatitis A
Signs and Symptoms of Hepatitis A
According to Internal Medicine Doctor many people who have hepatitis A have no symptoms. If symptoms do appear, they usually appear two to seven weeks after infection. These symptoms usually go away within two months, though some people can be sick for up to six months.
If symptoms appear, they may include:
- Flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, fever, and aches and pains
- Appetite loss
- Being sick and/or feeling sick
- Diarrhoea
- Tummy pain in the upper right corner (abdomen)
- Pale faeces and dark urine (poo)
- Skin and eye discoloration (jaundice)
- Skin itch
You can spread the infection even if you don't have any symptoms or for up to two weeks before they appear. You should immediately check with Internal Medicine Doctor to get tested for Hepatitis A.
Currently, Hepatitis A is incurable. An Internal Medicine Doctor usually advises you to rest, eat well, and drink plenty of fluids. Itching, nausea, and vomiting may be treated with pain relievers and/or medication. The vast majority of people will fully recover within one to two months.
Whether or not you have symptoms, refrain from preparing food for others or engaging in physical contact until an Internal Medicine Doctor certifies that you are no longer infectious.
Once you've recovered, you're immune to hepatitis A, which means you won't get it again. Other types of hepatitis, however, can still occur. Check out our other blogs by Internal Medicine Doctor to learn about various other health concerns and their available treatments.
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