Complications of Hepatitis A

Complications of Hepatitis A

In most cases of Hepatitis A, the liver heals completely in a month or tow with no lasting damage. Furthermore, the virus doesn't remain in the body. Older adults and people with other medical problems such as congestive heart failure, diabetes and anaemia may take longer to recover and are likely to have a more serious course of the disease. In rare cases, fulminant Hepatitis - a life-threatening condition that causes liver failure - may develop. 

Diagnosis of Hepatitis A

A blood test showing the presence of 1gM anti-HAV in serum confirms the diagnosis of acute Hepatitis A infection. In most people, these antibodies become detectable 5-10 days before the onset of symptoms. Antibodies can persist for up to six months after infection. For that reason, the presence of antibodies doesn't necessarily indicate an active infection. 

How Does it Spread

The Hepatitis A virus is transmitted by the faecal-oral route, through close person-to-person contact, or by ingesting contaminated food or water. Infection has been shown to spread through : 

• Close personal contact with someone infected with Hepatitis A
  Faecal residue may remain on the hands of people changing soiled diapers. 
  Cooks who are infected can pass the virus on if they do not wash their hands with soap and water after having a bowel movement, especially when they prepare uncooked foods. 
  Contact with infected children ( who do not usually show symptoms), who can then infect non-immune children or adults at home or in child-care centres. 
  Ingesting raw or undercooked shellfish from waters contaminated with the Hepatitis A virus. 
  Ingesting contaminated food or water during travel to underdeveloped areas. 
  Transmission through blood transfusions or sharing needles with infected people using injectable drugs. 

People potentially susceptible to catching Hepatitis A include : 

• Military personnel.
  Individuals living in areas where Hepatitis A is endemic. 
  Certain ethnic and geographic population that experience cyclic epidemics. 
  Male homosexuals and others who engage in high-risk sexual activity. 
  Haemophiliacs and other recipients of therapeutic blood products. 
  Youngsters in child-care facilities, their families, and facility staff. 
  Food handlers. 
  Healthcare workers who treat patients infected with the virus. 
  Institutionalised persons and their caregivers. 
  Laboratory workers who handle live Hepatitis A virus. 

Symptoms of Hepatitis A
Complications of Hepatitis A
Treatment for Hepatitis A
Safety Precautions for Hepatitis A