What should you know about sanhi ng hepatitis a?

Hepatitis A can begin with feeling generally unwell, tiredness, nausea, reduced appetite, fever or discomfort under the ribs. Later, some people develop yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine and pale stools. Symptoms can be mild or more troublesome, and children may have few obvious symptoms while still being able to spread infection.

The virus is usually passed when microscopic traces of stool reach the mouth, often through contaminated food, water or close contact. A clinician may use an examination and blood tests, including a Liver Function Test, to assess the liver and clarify the diagnosis.

Rest, drink enough fluid to avoid dehydration and eat small meals when able. Avoid alcohol and do not start medicines or supplements without checking that they are suitable for your liver. Wash hands carefully after using the toilet and before preparing food, and avoid preparing food for others while infectious. Ask a clinician whether close contacts need advice or Hepatitis A Vaccination.

Contact a clinician promptly for yellow eyes or skin, dark urine, persistent vomiting, worsening abdominal pain, confusion, unusual sleepiness, bleeding or difficulty keeping fluids down. Urgent assessment is needed if you become faint, severely dehydrated or confused. People with existing liver disease should seek advice early when hepatitis A is suspected.

Ask which tests are needed, how long you may be infectious, what food and medicines to avoid, how to protect household contacts, and whether vaccination is suitable for you or someone exposed to the infection.