Do you know how does hepatitis A spread? You may already be in danger if you haven’t visited a doctor for a checkup. Symptoms of diseases may not start as early as weeks or months. Some viral infections may even be asymptomatic. Other deliberate medical conditions like Hepatitis, Diabetes, or Cancer may have symptoms that start early. That explains why it is crucial for every person to have a health checkup every once in a while to know how does Hepatitis A spread. Furthermore, patients undergoing surgery for either a cosmetic medical or dental treatment should consult a doctor first. The initial appointment with a general physician may save your life.
What Is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis starts as a liver disease from an infection caused by a virus. It inflames the liver, making the process of breaking down substances harder to manage. Hepatitis has three main stages, where two can lead to fatal consequences. On the contrary, Hepatitis A or HAV may not be a cause of death, but it leads to kidney or liver failure. It is a short term liver disease that may have reversal treatment and prevention from acquiring it again. Yet, the adverse effects of Hepatitis shouldn’t be neglected by any individual who feels the symptoms. One prevention method is to know how does Hepatitis A spread and similar viral infection questions.
How Does Hepatitis A Spread?
Anyone may have Hepatitis A since contamination may transmit from the bodily fluids of an infected person. Not only should family members or friends need to be cautious with virus contamination. During surgery, the medical team should be careful to avoid contact with infected body fluids. A person who didn’t disclose his or her medical illnesses during an interview may infect medical and dental practitioners. Hence, it is the responsibility of patients to stop the transmission and spread of the virus.
Contact On A Surface That Contains Fluid With Hepatitis
The Center For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC) says that anyone, specifically in the United States alone, is susceptible to the spread of the hepatitis virus. Generally, germs stick on surfaces after sneezing or having a runny nose. It makes any viral infection harmful as most liquids are transparent. Blood, body fluid, and saliva can contain the virus. Children who have contact with the said virus has a higher chance to acquire hepatitis A than most adults.
Sexual Contact And Using Drugs With An Infected Person
Having sex with a person with the Hepatitis virus also contributes to a higher risk. The spread of sexually transmitted disease alongside Hepatitis can also be life-threatening. Not even a condom or any protection may prevent the virus that spreads from person to person. According to WHO, men who have sex with men (MSM), are more likely to spread Hepatitis. Furthermore, people who involve themselves with illicit drug use and sharing of needles can also complicate the virus infection. Symptoms may show a total of 14-28 days with 70 percent of the signs show as jaundice.
Eating Or Drinking Their Food Or Beverage
People may not be aware that food and beverages that are unsanitary may contain hepatitis A virus. Countries with contaminated water or poor sanitation policies may suffer from the spread of the virus. Hence, if you’re planning to visit a country with these issues, you may check the WHO website for additional guidelines. Also, if you have Hepatitis A yourself, don’t share your food as well.
Sharing Utensils, Toiletries (Toothbrush)
Water and liquid can also stick in utensils that you use for eating. Moreover, a toothbrush can also hold the virus that contaminated the toiletry. You may have to store your personal items and inform people that live with you about your current Hepatitis A infection. You may also have to sterilize your utensils every day to control the contagious disease. Prevention is always better than cure, especially for a virus that can kill millions globally.
What Is The Treatment For Hepatitis?
Liver, kidney, lung, and other complex diseases may or may not have a medical solution despite ongoing scientific research. As with many viral infections, the cure to stop the virus may be a do or die situation. Currently, there is still no treatment for Hepatitis. The only treatment that a person may do is to manage the symptoms and pain from the liver disease. However, prevention can be done yearly by getting a vaccine shot from a clinic or hospital. Mainly, pregnant women and newborn children may receive a vaccine to combat HAV to HCV. After surgery, doctors should prioritize sterilizing needles to avoid the spread of the hepatitis A virus.
10 Early Symptoms Of Hepatitis A
How do you know if you have Hepatitis? A short term liver disease like Hepatitis A (HAV) may have early warning symptoms that you can check. Usually, home remedies and lifestyle may reduce the chances of acquiring the disease. However, the only way to find out your condition is to get a doctor’s advice. Apart from dark colored urine, a virus with a contagious issue darkens the stool or feces. It is a result of the liver and stomach bleeding or having inflammation from the virus. An upset stomach can also lead to diarrhea and even making you feel full. One of the most apparent signs of acquiring hepatitis A virus is the yellowing of the whites of the eyes and the skin. Check out the other ten signs people should be wary of in case of a hepatitis A virus infection:
- Losing Your Appetite
- Dark colored urine
- Itching, Rashes, And Bumps
- Severe Fatigue
- Mild To Moderate Fever
- Yellowish Eyes and Skin
- Joint pain or arthritis
- Abdominal Pain Near The Liver
- Diarrhea
- Different Colored Stools
Can Hepatitis A Become Worse?
Did you know that hepatitis A is already infecting not just your liver but also your bloodstream and heart? Continuous neglect of prevention for virus infections can result in making matters worse. Hepatitis A may develop into other types of Hepatitis, which leads to severe health complications. Several rare cases of hepatitis A can form into acute liver disease. Pancreatitis, lupus, transient heart block, and acute arthritis may also develop throughout the Hepatitis A period. The right recovery from the first stage of Hepatitis, on the other hand, can make our body systems develop immunity given the right conditions. Hence, support yourself from the virus infection by washing your hands, avoiding low sanitation or hygienic standard restaurants or look for protection methods from your local hospital or clinic.
What Should You Do As An Infected Patient
As an infected hepatitis A patient, it may be a struggle to fight off the symptoms as there is still no cure for the virus infection. However, you may consult your general physician for prescription medicine and pain relief. Having enough rest can also increase your immune system’s protection, and your liver inflammation may decrease. Moreover, the right lifestyle, such as removing unhealthy habits, may also help you fight the battle of your life. Avoid alcohol, drugs, smoking, and other activities that increase the chance of complicating your Hepatitis A. Moreover, a person with an infection should avoid contact with families, friends, or loved ones to stop the virus from spreading.
