Hepatitis A Essay

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Hepatitis A is a usually short acting virus that occurs in humans and monkeys. It is caused by the Hepatovirus and the species is Hepatitis A Virus. There are two major ways in which Hepatitis A can be transmitted. One way is from person to person. This transmission occurs when the fecal matter of an infected person gets ingested by another person. Other ways Hepatitis A can be transmitted from person to person are through direct contact with an infected person, such as sexual contact, and sharing of needles for intravenous drug use. Hepatitis A can also be transmitted through coming in contact with contaminated food or water. Also foods that are uncooked or undercooked and have been contaminated with Hepatitis A can transmit the virus. (Bennett,
A person infected with Hepatitis A will take weeks to months to recover. During recover an infected person will receive supportive care and therapy. A patient should remain on bed rest and receive well balanced nutrition. Patient should be restricted from school and or work until fever is reduced and jaundice diminishes. If patient is vomiting and or has diarrhea, they can be treated with antiemetic medications. Also, an adequate water intake is necessary. An infected person should avoid alcohol and limit consumption of drugs that are damaging to the liver, such as acetaminophen. Hospitalization is rare during the treatment of Hepatitis A. (Matheney, 2012; Gilroy,
“Improved sanitation, food safety and immunization are the most effective ways to combat hepatitis A.” (World Health Organization, 2017) Good hand hygiene is essential in preventing the spread of Hepatitis A. Proper sewage disposal systems are also important in prevention of Hepatitis A within communities. If a person is traveling to an area where hepatitis A is prevalent, they should avoid ingesting water and uncooked fruits and vegetables. Another important way to prevent Hepatitis A is immunization. A vaccine for Hepatitis A has been available in the US since 1996. Commonly children will become immunized between the age of 12 to 23 months, however an adult can also be vaccinated at any time. Traveling out of the country, using illegal drugs, homosexual men, and anyone who comes in contact with an infected person or animal are recommended to be immunized. The final way Hepatitis A can be prevented is with immune globulin. Blood from an already immune person will be injected into another person giving the recipient protective antibodies. Immune globulin will protect a person from exposure to Hepatitis A for 2 weeks. (Center for Disease Control,

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