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Similar to Hepatitis B and C, Hepatitis A also affects the liver,
causing inflammation. However, unlike Hepatitis B and C, Hepatitis A does not
become chronic and is instead an acute infection – meaning its onset is abrupt
and typically requires short-term care.
If you
are interested in learning more about Hepatitis B or C, read Dr. Ali Ghahary’s
articles titled ‘Information on Hepatitis B (HBV)’ and ‘Contracting Hepatitis C’, which can be found on Wordpress at http://alighahary.wordpress.com and
on Weebly at http://alighahary.weebly.com
Hepatitis A is contracted through feces, and is commonly found in
regions such as The Caribbean and South America. While outbreaks of Hepatitis A
are uncommon in Canada, they can still occur. These outbreaks are often the
result of having sexual contact with someone who is already infected with the
Hepatitis A virus, or by eating contaminated food that has been prepared by
someone with Hepatitis A who has not washed their hands prior. Eating raw or
undercooked seafood that has been in sewage-polluted water can also result in
the contraction of Hepatitis A.
While most individuals with Hepatitis A will develop symptoms, not
everyone does. Symptoms can occur as little as one-week from the initial
contact with the virus, or as long as 50 days later. Symptoms of Hepatitis A
include: Abdominal pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, low-grade fever, loss of
appetite, dark urine and jaundice. Typically, children who have been infected
with Hepatitis A will experience milder symptoms. However, the older you are,
the more severe your symptoms may be. Symptoms can last as little as 1 to 2
weeks or for several months. If you have pre-existing conditions such as
chronic liver disease, Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C, you are at a higher risk of
developing complications from Hepatitis A.
The best way to avoid contracting Hepatitis A is to get vaccinated.
The vaccine is usually given in 2 doses 6 months apart, and it will protect you
from the virus for up to 20 years. Alternatively, a combined Hepatitis A and
Hepatitis B vaccine is also available and is something that Vancouver physicians like Dr.
Ali Ghahary recommend, especially for individuals who have not yet been
vaccinated.
