Hepatitis-AHepatitis-A !!Holiday hates!! Helping you when youre on holiday What is it? Hepatitis A is a virus caused by the hepatitis A virus, an RNA virus which is usually transmitted through contaminated food, water and through direct contacts with a person who has been diagnosed with it. The time between infection and the symptoms is usually around 2-6 weeks and the average incubation period is around a month. It causes harm to the liver as hepatic means liver and itis means inflammation so together means Inflammation of the Liver Where it comes fromWhere it comes from Geographic distribution of Hepatitis A prevalence (Anti-HAV-Antibody), High : prevalence higher than 8% - Intermediate : between 2% and 7% - Low : less than 2% Hepatitis A affects many places around the globe. This is an image made in 2005 showing its distribution. The SymptomsThe Symptoms Symptoms of hepatitis begin to show after about two-six weeks after being in contact with it. Symptoms are: Nausea Vomiting Diarrhoea (in children) Fever No appetite Rashes Jaundice Tiredness Urine becoming the colour of coca cola or strong tea. Dehydration Pain in the abdomen VaccinationVaccination It is advisable, if you are going to any of the areas where hepatitis A is prevalent, to have the vaccination which is available at your doctors surgery. If you have a booster within a year of your first vaccination you will be covered for a twenty year period. It is still advisable to follow the precautions as detailed on the next page. PrecautionsPrecautions When taking precautions it is best to make sure you : Wash your hands with soap after going to the loo, changing a nappy, for preparing meals and before eating. Avoid tap water if possible and if not practise sanitation skills etc. Dont share personal belongs with someone. E.g. toothbrush, razor or wash cloths. If you should find yourself with any of the symptoms after going on a holiday somewhere where hepatitis A is prevalent you must immediately seek medical advise. BibliographyBibliographypage2_em.htmfact.htm nt.cfm