Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver spread through food or water contaminated with stool. It is very common in children in Afghanistan, who often have a mild illness, while adults usually feel more unwell. It does not become a long-term illness, and most people recover fully within a few weeks.
Symptoms
- Yellow eyes and skin (jaundice)
- Dark urine and pale stool
- Tiredness and weakness
- Loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting
- Pain in the upper right side of the belly
- Mild fever
Causes
- Hepatitis A virus
- Drinking unsafe water
- Eating food handled by an infected person who did not wash their hands
- Poor sanitation
- Close contact with an infected person in the household
Prevention
- Wash hands with soap after the toilet and before eating
- Drink boiled or treated water
- Eat well-cooked food and wash fruit and vegetables with clean water
- Use a clean latrine
- Hepatitis A vaccine where available
Treatment
- There is no specific medicine; the liver heals by itself
- Rest and drink plenty of fluids
- Eat small, light meals
- Avoid alcohol and any medicine or herbal remedy not advised by a doctor, as they can harm the liver
- Do not start prescription medicines without a doctor
Common questions
Can hepatitis A become a long-term illness?
No. Hepatitis A does not become chronic. After recovery, a person is usually protected for life.
Should a child with jaundice stay home from school?
A child with hepatitis A can spread it for about a week after the jaundice starts. Keep the child at home for about one week and make sure everyone washes their hands carefully.