Prevention of Viral Hepatitis A (Botkin's disease)

29/02/20240 views

Viral hepatitis "A" is an acute infectious disease with predominant liver damage (formerly known as Botkin's disease). Viral hepatitis "A" is a serious illness. The causative agent of hepatitis is a virus that affects the liver, which plays a vital role in the functioning of the entire body.

Viral hepatitis "A" is an acute infectious disease with predominant liver damage (formerly known as Botkin's disease). Viral hepatitis "A" is a serious illness. The causative agent of hepatitis is a virus that affects the liver, which plays a vital role in the functioning of the entire body. Hepatitis "A", like intestinal infections, is called the "disease of unwashed hands". Infection with the hepatitis "A" virus occurs in the same way as with causative agents of acute intestinal infections: through dirty hands, vegetables and fruits, and water. If personal hygiene rules are not followed, one can contract hepatitis "A" at any time of the year. People of all ages suffer from hepatitis "A", but children and adolescents are more frequently affected.

The source of infection is a sick person. The hepatitis virus is excreted from the body through the intestines and is found in faeces. The virus can retain its properties for a long time (especially in the cold season): it can survive for several months at +4 °C, several years at -20 °C, and several weeks at room temperature. The virus enters a healthy person's body through dirty hands during eating or smoking, as well as with virus-contaminated food and water.

The period from infection to the onset of illness ranges from 7 to 50 days, most commonly 1.5-2 weeks (classic period = 35 days). The patient experiences a loss of appetite, pain in the right hypochondrium, nausea, and often vomiting. Stool consistency changes, and urine darkens. Stools become pale, and the whites of the eyes turn yellow.

In some cases, the onset of the disease resembles influenza: fever rises, a runny nose, cough, and body aches appear. During this period, the patient is highly contagious to others, as the virus is intensely excreted from the body. The disease can also occur without jaundice, in a mild, asymptomatic form. Anicteric forms of Hepatitis A are quite common, accounting for up to 70% of cases.

If the first signs of illness appear, it is necessary to consult a doctor. The presence of an infected child in a preschool group or school class poses a risk of infection to the entire group of children.

REMEMBER:

It is necessary to observe personal hygiene rules, wash hands with soap before meals and after visiting the toilet, keep dishes and food products clean.

Do not drink water from random sources or “tap water”; drink only boiled water. Remember that the virus is killed at boiling temperature (100 degrees Celsius) only after 5 minutes.

Vaccination will protect you from the disease.