What is Hepatitis ?

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). Hepatitis A causes inflammation that affects your liver's ability to function.

How does it spread?

It is contracted from contaminated food or water or from close contact with someone who's already infected

What are the symptoms of Hepatitis?

Symptoms in young children will be mild, but symptoms in older children and adults are likely to be more severe. The signs and symptoms appear suddenly and may be mistaken for intestinal flu.
The symptoms are:

• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain or discomfort, especially in the area of your liver on your right side beneath your lower ribs
• Loss of appetite
• Low-grade fever
• Dark urine
• Muscle pain
• Itching
• Yellowing of skin and white of eyes.(Jaundice)

How soon after exposure do symptoms appear?

The symptoms appear after one month of the entry of the virus into the body.

How is it diagnosed?

Blood test for measuring the Bilirubin levels and enzyme levels in your body are done to detect the presence of Hepatitis.

What are the complications of Hepatitis?

In severe cases liver damage leading to liver failure - a life threatening condition may develop.

What is the treatment for Hepatitis?

No specific treatment exists for hepatitis. Instead, the main focus is on making sure you get adequate nutrition and avoid any permanent liver damage.Soft, easily digestable foods are suggestive.

What precautions should the infected person follow?

The most important precautions are careful handwashing after each toilet visit and proper disposal of sewage .

How to prevent Hepatitis?