A common source of infection is contaminated water or food, especially raw or insufficiently cooked food (fruits, salads, vegetables, seafood etc.) Food which is well cooked but handled by infected individuals can also be a source of infection. The infection may also be acquired through close contact with infected individuals within families, schools, daycare centres and hostels.

The severity of infection is age related with symptoms being more common in adolescents & adults than very young children. Acute symptoms last for 4 weeks to 3 months and may be debilitating requiring total rest and occasionally hospitalization. This causes disruption of daily activities and often leads to abscence from work/school. Complete recovery can take as long as 6-12 months, with serious and ocassionally fatal complications occuring in minority of patients. Hepatitis A can relapse in 20% of cases who acquire the disease, and the symptoms may perist for upto 6 months.

The negative influence on productivity and quality of life though unmeasured, can be quite high.

Symptoms include nausea/vomiting, yellowness of eyes, skin & urine (Jaundice), diarrhoea, pale stools, abdominal pain, malaise/fatigue, fever/chills, lack of appetite, sore throat, etc. The frequency/severity with which these symptoms occur vary depending on the age of the person.

Though hepatitis A is considered to be a relatively benign disease in young children, this may not always be the case. Children present with more a typical signs and severe gastrointestinal symptoms than adults. There is evidence to suggest that over 60% of 2-5 years old develop jaundice with associated dark urine and pale stools. The significant health risk that severe diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting can present to the young should not be forgotten.

Yes, risk of acquiring hepatitis A virus is closely tied to poor standards of living. Poor standards of hygiene and sanitation favor the spread of the virus. Chances of early childhood exposure is high in this setting. In contrast, an improvement in standards of hygiene and sanitation leads to a decline in levels of circulating virus. As a result, risk of early exposure is lesser among those living in an improved socio-economic environment. In this group, contamination is more likely among young children, adolescents and adults.

Any none-immune person exposed to the virus can develop hepatitis A. This includes children attending daycare centres, schools, etc. and individuals from upper socio-economic groups who are unlikely to have been exposed to the virus. Travellers to highly endemic areas, food handlers, healthcare workers, school or daycare employees and contacts of infected persons are also at risk.

Immunoglobulins can be administered to provide temporary protection for 3-5months. Since regular injections are required to maintain protection, this option is expensive.

A vaccine is now available and is the most practical means of protection against hepatitis A. Primary vaccination protects the person for up to one year and a booster dose administered after 6 months, provides predicted protection for at least 20 years.

No. Each type of hepatitis is different. Vaccination against hepatitis B does not protect from hepatitis A, and vice – versa.

- Hepatitis A is a serious, highly contagious disease which affects more than 1.4 million people world-wide every year.

- It is an important health concern for children, adolescents and adults.

- It can keep one out of school / work for several weeks or even months.

- Leads to loss of productive time of the subject and his/her family.

- Causes inconvenience and affects quality of life.

- You and your family can be at risk.

- Why risk it, when you can prevent it ?