Mataracy
VIP Contributor
Hepatitis A infection spread by the faeco-oral route with an incubation period of 4-5 weeks. It is usually a mild infection of children which goes unnoticed. In young adults it usually causes symptoms with fever,loss of appetite,nausea and pain inder the right rib margin. After a few days or weeks,jaundice and dark urine develop. The faeces may be clay-coloured if cholestasis occurs.
Examination of these patients usually reveals jaundice and swollen tender liver. Blood tests of liver function and a look for antibodies to hepatitis A may help to establish the diagnosis.
Patients can be looked after at home but may be admitted to hospital for social reasons, if the disease is severe or the diagnosis is in doubt. In hospital,patients should be barrier nursed and care is taken with diaposalbof faeces,as the virus is excreted in the stool.
There is no specific treatment and no special diet is necessary. The illness usually resolves over 3-4 week. Very occasionally patients relapse.
Examination of these patients usually reveals jaundice and swollen tender liver. Blood tests of liver function and a look for antibodies to hepatitis A may help to establish the diagnosis.
Patients can be looked after at home but may be admitted to hospital for social reasons, if the disease is severe or the diagnosis is in doubt. In hospital,patients should be barrier nursed and care is taken with diaposalbof faeces,as the virus is excreted in the stool.
There is no specific treatment and no special diet is necessary. The illness usually resolves over 3-4 week. Very occasionally patients relapse.