Preventive Measures of Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a liver infection effected by the hepatitis A virus (HAV) whose
symptoms include fever, fatigue, appetite loss, nausea, abdominal discomfort,
dark urine and jaundice. The infection commonly lasts less than 2 months, although
one can be ill for up to 6 months. Chronic liver disease patients are recommended
for vaccination for protection against serious complications.[1]
Hepatitis A can be obtained by ingesting food or water that has fecal material
exposure from an infected individual, with most infections arising from contact with
family members or sexual partners. The virus can survive on outside the body surfaces
and infection occurs when there is poor hygienic behavior. The infection is most
common in developing countries and in communities that have unsanitary conditions
and do not have a source of clean drinking water.[2]
Hepatitis A can be totally prevented by always observing basic hygiene. Everyone must
wash his/her hands with soap and water before preparing or handling food and after
using the bathroom and changing a diaper. Food handlers must not be ill and should
always wear gloves when preparing ready-to-eat foods.[3]
Routine hepatitis A vaccination has been recommended for children ages 12-23
months and for integration into the routine vaccination schedule of children. The
vaccine may also offer protection to the household contacts of infected persons.
Individuals traveling to high-risk areas who have not been vaccinated should receive
a single dose of Immune Globulin, which can protect against hepatitis A infection for
a period of three months.[4]
Immune globulin (IG), when administered within 2 weeks of last exposure to infection,
is 80 to 90 percent effective in preventing clinical hepatitis A. It is most effective when
when administered early in the incubation period and is weaker when given later in
the incubation period. If medically recommended, Hepatitis A vaccine could be
administered at the same time.[5]
The following individuals are recommended for hepatitis A vaccination:[6]
Travelers to high-risk for hepatitis A areas
Men who have men as sexual partners
Drug users who inject and do not inject
Blood clotting-disorder patients
Chronic liver disease patients
Health or laboratory workers with risks of infection
Children living in high-risk for hepatitis A areas
Individuals in close contact with persons who have just arrived from high-risk for
hepatitis A areas
Both of the marketed two single-antigen hepatitis A vaccines as of 2010 are not
approved for children less than two years old and must be administered in 2 doses, 6
months in between, for full protection.[7]
Eating reminders for preventing hepatitis A include the following:[8]
Only freshly cooked foods should be eaten.
In places where the safety of drinking water is doubtful, only boiled water or
commercially bottled water should be drank.
Drinks with ice in them should not be drank.
Raw fruits or vegetables that are not peeled should only be eaten after thorough
cleaning.
Popsicles and flavored ices that may have been prepared with contaminated water
should be avoided.[9]
Street foods and beverages should be avoided.[10]
[1] “Hepatitis A – What It Is, Where It Lives”, Health Search Online, 2011
<http://www.healthsearchonline.com/hepatitis-a-what-it-is-where-it-lives/>
[accessed 21 April 2011]
[2] ibid
[3] “How To Prevent Hepatitis A Infection”, MarlerClark, 2005-2011,
<http://www.about-hepatitis.com/hepatitis_prevention> [accessed 21 April 2011]
[4] ibid
[5] ibid
[6] ibid
[7] Doug Campos-Outcalt, “Hepatitis A: matching preventive resources to needs”,
The CBS Interactive Business Network, 2010, <http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0689/is_4_53/ai_n6011917/> [accessed 21 April 2011]
[8] “Health Encyclopedia – Diseases and Conditions”, USATODAY.COM, 2001-2011,
<http://www.healthscout.com/ency/68/768/main.html> [accessed 21 April 2011]
[9] “Hepatitis A”, Guide to Surveillance, Reporting and Control, Massachusetts Department of Public
Health, Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, June 2006,
<http://www.mass.gov/Eeohhs2/docs/dph/disease_reporting/guide/hepatitis_a.pdf>
[accessed 21 April 2011]
[10] ibid
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