WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Hepatitis A (hep-uh-TIE-tis A) is a viral infection that
causes the liver to become irritated and swollen. There are
many different types of viral hepatitis, including A, B, C, D,
and E. There is no cure or special medicine for hepatitis A;
and it may be weeks or even months before you feel better. This
disease spreads quickly from person to person. However, a shot
is available to prevent the disease.
Causes
The hepatitis A virus spreads
through infected food and water. The virus appears in the stool
of infected persons, and can be passed on to others through
poor hand washing, especially by restaurant workers and food
handlers. Day care workers who do not wash their hands after
changing a diaper can also spread the virus. The disease can
also be picked up from eating infected raw
shellfish.
Signs/Symptoms
Early signs are fever, nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and tiredness. Later you
may have jaundice (yellow eyes and skin). Your urine may be
darker in color and your stools may be lighter in color. You
may, however, have no symptoms at all.
Care
There is no effective treatment.
Your best strategy is keep up your strength as much as
possible. Maintain a healthy diet and get plenty of rest. If
complications set in, you may need a stay in the
hospital.
Risks
Serious problems such as brain
swelling and damage, or long-term damage to your liver can
occur, but they are rare.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
To prevent spreading the infection to
others:
-
Don't share dishes and eating utensils. Wash dishes
and utensils in boiling water or an automatic dishwasher,
or use disposable ones.
-
Avoid close contact with other people, including
kissing.
-
Wash your hands well before eating and after using
the toilet. Be careful not to touch your bowel
movements.
-
Wash clothing and bedding at the hottest water
setting.
-
Clean toilets with a product that kills
germs.
-
You will feel tired and tire easily for quite a
while. Get plenty of rest. You don't need to stay in bed.
When you are feeling better, slowly return to your normal
activity.
-
Even if your appetite is poor, try to eat a balanced
diet. Eating several small meals a day may be helpful.
Drink at least 8 glasses (soda-can sized) of water each
day.
-
Until you recover, do not take medicines that contain
acetaminophen. These will cause your liver to work harder.
Be sure to check the label of all medicines that you
buy.
-
Don't drink any alcohol (including beer and wine) for
a few weeks. Alcohol also makes your liver work
harder.
-
Your friends and family can get a shot to keep them
from catching the disease.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
You can't drink fluids or keep food
down.
-
You develop a rash, itching, or swelling of your
abdomen or legs.
Seek Care Immediately If...
-
You feel confused or unusually
sleepy.
-
You have vomiting or diarrhea that lasts longer than
a few days, or severe abdominal pain.
-
You have signs of water loss, such as dry mouth,
excessive thirst, wrinkled skin, little or no urination, or
dizziness or light-headedness.
-
You notice that you bruise
easily.
IF YOU'RE HEADING FOR THE
HOSPITAL...
What to Expect While You're
There
You may encounter the following
procedures and equipment during your stay.
-
Liver biopsy: In this test, a special needle is
pushed through the wall of the abdomen and into the liver.
A small sample of liver tissue is then removed for
study.
-
CT Scan: This computerized x-ray will be used to
take pictures of your liver so that the doctor can check
for problems.
-
Neuro Signs: The doctor will examine your eyes, see
how easily you awaken, and check your memory. These are
important signs that can detect any problems the infection
may be causing in the brain.
-
Taking Vital Signs: These include your temperature,
blood pressure, pulse (counting your heartbeats), and
respirations (counting your breaths). A stethoscope is used
to listen to your heart and lungs. Your blood pressure is
taken by wrapping a cuff around your
arm.
-
Pulse Oximeter: You may be hooked up to a pulse
oximeter (ox-IM-uh-ter). It is placed on your ear, finger,
or toe and is connected to a machine that measures the
oxygen in your blood.
-
IV: A tube placed in your vein for giving medicine
or liquids. It will be capped or have tubing connected to
it.
-
Blood: Usually taken from a vein in your hand or
from the bend in your elbow. Tests will be done on the
blood.
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