HEPATITIS A

Hepatitis A: Overview, Symptoms, Transmission, Prevention, and Immunization

Overview: Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by a virus thriving in the stool of infected humans and animals, primarily primates.

Symptoms: Characterized by fever, fatigue, headaches, and loss of appetite, hepatitis A may also present jaundice, vomiting, and diarrhea. While many experience mild symptoms, the classic syndrome manifests abruptly, with an incubation period of 15 to 50 days. Most patients recover within 2 to 4 weeks, with a mortality rate of 0.6 percent.

Transmission: Spread through person-to-person contact or ingestion of contaminated water, seafood, or raw fruits/vegetables, infected individuals are contagious 2 to 3 weeks before symptoms until a week after jaundice develops.

Prevention: Preventive measures include handwashing, avoiding contaminated food/beverages, and exposing the virus to temperatures exceeding 85 degrees Celsius for 1 minute. Chlorine or iodine can also inactivate the virus in contaminated water.

Immunization: Recommended for travelers to areas with high hepatitis A rates, the vaccine is safe and administered in 2 shots, 6 to 36 months apart. It provides good immunity within 2 to 4 weeks after the first shot, potentially effective for up to 20 years. Combination vaccines like Twinrix™ (hepatitis A and B) are available. Immunoglobulins may confer immediate but shorter-term immunity and are gradually being replaced by vaccines.

Note: Refer to essential information for a safe trip for comprehensive travel guidance.