Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a viral infection that can inflame and damage the liver. Unlike other forms of hepatitis, hepatitis A is usually mild and does not last long. Usually spread in contaminated food or water, hepatitis A also can be passed during sexual practices that involve the anus.

Symptoms

• Tiredness

• Loss of appetite

• Fever

• Nausea

• Tenderness in the stomach area

• Dark, tea-colored urine

• Yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice)

Prevention

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap after handling food, after using the bathroom and before eating.

• Buy shellfish only at reputable food stores or restaurants.

• If you catch your own shellfish, make sure that it comes from waters inspected regularly by health authorities.

• If you are traveling to a developing country, avoid drinking water or eating food that may be contaminated, and get vaccinated for hepatitis A before your trip.

• Avoid injecting illegal drugs. Outbreaks of hepatitis A have been seen among intravenous drug users

Treatment

There are no drugs to treat hepatitis A. Doctors generally recommend getting bed rest, eating well-balanced meals, drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding alcoholic beverages. It is also essential to avoid medications that can be toxic to your liver, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol).