Hepatitis A is a highly infectious liver disease. It is caused by a virus. In serious cases, it can lead to death. Hepatitis A can be spreaded through faecal contamination and then by hand to mouth contact. This is why children are particularly at risk. It can be spreaded by somebody who simply forget to wash his or her hands after changing diaper or using the bathroom. It be spreaded through contaminated food and water. Contamination shellfish is a common source of infection. It is also known to spread in a child care centre environment. The virus itself is extremely resistant and is not easily destroyed. It can survive for a very long time in the environment.
The symptoms of Hepatitis A may include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nauseam abdominal discomfort, dark colored urine and jaundice. If you have any doubts, you should consult your doctor for clinical tests.
The symptoms of Hepatitis A may include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nauseam abdominal discomfort, dark colored urine and jaundice. If you have any doubts, you should consult your doctor for clinical tests.
In November 2003, 3 people died and almost 500 people fell ill after eating contaminated food at a Pittsburgh restaurant. It is the biggest known outbreak of Hepatitis A in United States of America. Around 100 deaths occurs in the United States each year as a result of severe Hepatitis A infection.
Fortunately, there is a vaccine available to protect your child. It is suitable for infant as young as 1 year old. For older children, there is a combination vaccine that also protect against the more dangerous Hepatitis B. Hepatitis A infection in young children less than 6 years old, is problematic because there may not be any symptoms. They can spread the disease to other family members whle the disease is still not detected. In any cases, proper hygiene is very important. All it takes is one person's lapse in hygiene combined with faecal contamination. So do teach your child good hygiene practice.
