Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a “virus” that causes infection and inflammation of the liver.

Unlike Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C, Hepatitis A does not lead to chronic liver disease. Once you have had it you will have immunity never to be infected again.

Hepatitis A or HAV “ virus” is more common in low socioeconomic status areas with a lack of adequate sanitation.

Improvements in hygiene public health policies and water supplies have caused a decrease in Hep A.

Hepatitis A what’s first identified in 1973 is past between Infected people and Noninfected people and or contaminated food or water.

A person can have hepatitis A without showing symptoms.

In 2006 hepatitis A was added to the childhood vaccinations schedule.

Food-borne and or waterborne Hepatitis A is common in the U.S.

Many people have no symptoms with Hepatitis A and if you do have symptoms they show up between two weeks and 60 days after infection.

The symptoms include: 

• Nausea 
• Loss of appetite and vomiting 
• Abdominal pain and diarrhea
• Fever 
• Malaise and fatigue
• Joint pain 
• Jaundice 
• Dark urine and or pale stools
• “Flu” like symptoms

Children under six do not usually show symptoms. Symptoms pass after 3 to 6 months after being infected.

15% of people will have reoccurring symptoms for 6 to 9 months.

Hepatitis A can be fatal in people with chronically ill liver disease.

When is a vaccine given? The US routine vaccination of all infants began in 1999 in 2006 the CDC recommended expanding aged 12 to 23 months or after exposure in a two-dose series.

Do we need it? With proper sanitation and hygiene vaccination is unnecessary hepatitis A runs its course very similar to a bad stomach virus.

Treatment: There is no specific treatment but you can improve your comfort level. Replenish nutrition and fluids, avoiding alcohol, and rest are all recommended. 

Complications are rare and can happen in patients with chronically ill liver disease. Full recovery is 3 to 6 months.

225 mcg of aluminum is in each brand, of Hepatitis A Vaccines

• Hepatitis A (HAVRIX) MRC-5 human diploid cells, Formalin, Aluminum hydroxide, amino acid supplement, Phosphate buffered saline solution, Polysorbate 20, Neomycin sulfate, Amimo glycoside antibiotic
• Hepatitis A (VAGTA) MRC-5 human diploid fibroblasts, Amorphous, Aluminum hydroxy phosphate sulfide, Non-viral protein, DNA, Bovine albumin, Formaldehyde, Neomycin, Sodium borate, Sodium chloride 
• Hepatitis A ( TWINRIX) MRC-5 human diploid cells, Formalin, Aluminum phosphate, Aluminum hydroxide, Amino acids, Sodium chloride, Phosphate buffet, Polysorbate 20, Neomycin, Sulfate, Yeast protein