HEPATITIS A – ALL ABOUT IT

WHAT IS HEPATITIS A?

Hepatitis A is a Liver Disease, which makes your liver swell and stops it from working right.

WHAT CAUSES HEPATITIS A?

Hepatitis A virus is commonly spread when a person ingests small amounts of contaminated faecal matter, which can be transmitted in numerous ways – drinking contaminated water, eating food handled by an infected person who doesn’t wash their hands after using the restroom or from being in close contact with a person who is infected.

HOW HEPATITIS A IS TRANSFERRED?

Hepatitis A is spread by close personal contact with someone else who has the infection. You could also get Hepatitis A by:

• Eating food that has been prepared by someone with Hepatitis A
• Drinking water that has been contaminated by Hepatitis A

WHO CAN GET HEPATITIS A?

Anyone can get Hepatitis A. But some people are more likely to than others:

• People who live with someone who has Hepatitis A
• Children who go to day care
• People who work in a day care centre
• Men who have sex with men

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS of HEPATITIS A?

Hepatitis A can make you feel like you have the flu. You might:

• Feel tired
• Feel sick to your stomach
• Have a fever
• Not want to eat
• Have stomach pain
• Have diarrhoea

Some people have:

• Dark yellow urine
• Light-coloured stools
• Yellowish eyes and skin

Some people don't have any symptoms. If you have symptoms or think you might have Hepatitis A, go to a doctor. The doctor will test your blood.

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR HEPATITIS A?

Most people who have Hepatitis A get well on their own after a few weeks. You may need to rest in bed for several days or weeks, and you won't be able to drink alcohol until you are well. The doctor may give you medicine for your symptoms.

HOW CAN YOU PREVENT HEPATITIS A?

You can get the Hepatitis A vaccine. The Hepatitis A vaccine is given through a shot. Children can get the vaccine after they turn 2 years old. Children aged 2 to 18 will need three shots. The shots are spread out over a year. Adults get two or three shots over 6 to 12 months.

You need all of the shots to be protected. You can protect yourself and others from Hepatitis A in these ways, too:

• Always wash your hands after using the toilet and before fixing food or eating.
• Wear gloves if you have to touch other people's stool. Wash your hands afterwards.

WHY KIMS?

At KIMS, we offer the most advanced testing for Hepatitis A. If you are diagnosed with one of several forms of the disease, we will work with you to provide the most advanced treatment and support available.