Hepatitis A

     Hepatitis A (HAV) is an acute systemic viral infection. It is found worldwide but especially in undeveloped countries. HAV is found in area with poor sanitation and poor hand washing practices. It is commonly spread among children through the fecal-oral route due to ingesting contaminated food and water.

     The incubation period of HAV can be from 15 to 50 days. Symptoms ca vary from non at all to fever, jaundice, malaise, loss of appetite, dark urine, light stools, nausea and abdominal discomfort. A blood test can detect it's presence. All persons exposed to HAV should receive immune globulin (igG) within 2 weeks of exposure.

    Prevention of HAV can occur with education about proper sanitation, proper washing and cooking of food and safe disposal of feces. The most important is to teach proper hand washing procedures before eating and food preparation. Certain people can receive hepatitis A vaccine if over 2 years of age. This includes people traveling to indemic areas.

     Recovery from HAC infection is in complete within 4-8 weeks and affords a lifetime immunity.

Cindy Sundman, RN, BSN