HEPATITIS A

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a serious liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV).

Spread By

HAV spreads by contaminated water or food. More cases are seen in rainy seasons. Cooking or boiling destroys the virus. It can also spread to other members in a family who are in regular close contact with the infected patient. Incidence of Infection is see in 100 in 1 lac population in India

Symptoms

Fever, nausea , vomiting, loss of appetite, Yellow urine, Yellow eyes, Light clay colored stools. Usually, jaundice increases after 4-5 days, once the fever starts improving. Many cases will need a hospitalisation in initial 2 weeks. Total recovery takes 4-6 weeks. Rarely, it can complicate and can lead to irreversible liver damage which then requires a liver transplant.

Vaccination

There are 2 types of vaccines – Any one can be used

1. Inactivated Vaccine – Avaxim or Havirix- 2 doses are given at least 6 months apart. These vaccines are in use since decades and are easily available
2. Live Vaccine – Biovac A- used in a single dose. It’s a new addition, Availability is not very regular.

Booster doses after initial course is not required

Is any person already gets a disease, then vaccination is not required. Vaccination should be given to contacts of the case in any household if not previously vaccinated or not previously infected.

CLICK HERE FOR HEPATITS A VACCINE GUIDELINES BY IAP