Prime Medic – Online Doctors 24/7 in Australia
Health Library Icon

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is an infectious disease that affects the liver. It is caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV). It swells the liver. Also it inhibits its function. Hepatitis A is usually not dangerous like Hepatitis B and C. It does not cause long-term liver damage. Most people recover from it entirely but it takes time and proper care. Understanding its symptoms, causes and preventions is essential to keep it under control.


Symptoms Body Shows in Hepatitis A

  1. Fatigue

    2. Hepatitis A causes fatigue and weakness in the body. It can be severe. It can disrupt regular activities. Patients may have difficulty performing ordinary tasks. It can last for several weeks and affects one's quality of life.


  2. Vomiting during Hepatitis A

    3. Nausea and Vomiting occur during Hepatitis A. It usually begins early in the infection. It can be lasting. It can lead to the body's water loss in severe cases. It can make it difficult for patients to keep nutrition and hydration.


  3. Abdominal Pain

    4. Hepatitis A causes abdominal pain. It is usually a low and continuous pain. But sometimes it can be sharp. This pain is usually due to liver inflammation and swelling.


  4. Loss of Appetite

    5. Hepatitis A causes a decrease in desire for hunger. It can lead to weight loss. The decrease in hunger is due to vomiting. Patients should try to eat small and nutritious meals to maintain their energy levels.


  5. Dark Urine

    6. Urine may become dark brown. This change in color is due to the presence of bilirubin. It is a substance produced by the liver. Dark urine indicates jaundice. It indicates liver dysfunction.


  6. Jaundice

    7. Hepatitis A causes jaundice. It is a condition in which the skin and eyes turn yellow. It occurs as a result of an increase in bilirubin. It is a yellow pigment in the blood. Accumulation of bilirubin causes jaundice if the liver is not working well.


Triggers of Hepatitis A

  1. Contaminated Food and Water

    2. Hepatitis A spreads through the ingestion of contaminated food and water. Inadequate sanitation in many parts of the world allows sewage to contaminate local water supplies. It creates a risk for people. This contaminated water may be used for drinking, cooking, or washing food. Raw or undercooked shellfish harvested from contaminated waters cause outbreaks if humans consume without adequate cooking.


  2. Person to Person Contact

    3. Hepatitis A easily spreads through close contact with an infected person. Living with an infected person increases the risk due to the shared bathrooms and physical interactions. Caregivers especially those assisting with personal hygiene are at high risk of contracting the virus.


  3. Travel to High-Risk Areas

    4. Travelling to high-risk Hepatitis A areas increases the chance of infection. The virus is more common in these areas. It occurs as a result of contaminated food and water. Travellers who have not been vaccinated against Hepatitis A are at a higher risk.


  4. Poor Hygiene Practices

    5. Poor hygiene causes Hepatitis A. It is easily spread from an infected person to others through directly or indirect contact with faecal matter. Sharing towels, utensils, and toothbrushes can spread Hepatitis A. It can spread to surfaces, food, and other objects.


Preventive Measures

  1. Vaccination

    2. Vaccination is the safest way to avoid Hepatitis A. It is recommended for all children and adults in high-risk areas. People who work in places where they may be exposed to the virus should also get vaccinated.


  2. Good Hygiene Practices

    3. Good hygiene prevents the transmission of Hepatitis A. Handwashing with soap and water is required. Especially after using toilets, changing diapers, and before cooking or eating food. Hand sanitizers can be used if water and soap is not available.


  3. Safe Water Consumption

    4. Drinking safe water is crucial to avoid Hepatitis A. It is recommended to drink bottled or boiled water in high-risk areas. Using treated water for brushing teeth can also reduce the risk.


  4. Bettering Sanitation

    5. Improving sanitation infrastructure is an important preventive step for Hepatitis A. Proper sewage disposal and access to clean water can lower the risk of Hepatitis A.

Consult your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms. Getting yourself checked properly is necessary. You can also book an appointment with a healthcare professional through PrimeMedic for the accurate treatment.