Hepatitis A caused concern after the of cases in Pacitan District, East Java which resulted in 975 people being infected. The number of cases of liver infections due to behavior and eating patterns that are less hygienic will usually increase at the end of the dry season and at the beginning of the rainy season like now. Therefore it is necessary for us to further recognize Hepatitis A.

Gastroenterohepatology Consultant Prof. Ari Fahrial Syam, MD, MMB, FACP, FACG, FINASIM explained that Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by a virus, transmitted through virus-contaminated food and beverages and through direct contact such as anal and oral sex. However, it is actually not easy to contract this disease from one person to another, for example just by meeting on campus. He also explained that A virus hepatitis could not be Hepatitis B because the virus had a different cause. But in one case, the patient may experience Hepatitis A and B infections at once. Therefore to avoid both, Hepatitis A and B. vaccines need to be done.

The incubation period or the period of entry of the disease until symptoms occur between 2-6 weeks. People with Hepatitis A usually come with symptoms that are yellow and urine that is colored like tea. Previously the symptoms of Hepatitis A began with a common cold, namely symptoms of flu, body aches, and nausea which sometimes accompanied vomiting, decreased appetite, and weakness. The patient also feels pain in the right upper abdomen due to Hepatitis A infection that affects his liver. To ascertain whether the symptoms that appear are Hepatitis A infections, laboratory tests are usually carried out to show increased levels of bilirubin, SGOT, and SGPT. In addition, antibody testing against the Hepatitis A virus (anti HAV) is also carried out.

Hepatitis A sufferers will be given drugs to eliminate the symptoms that appear. For patients who experience nausea, vomiting, and no appetite, they need to be hospitalized to get liquid and food infusions. These patients must be placed separately from other patients.

Prevention of hepatitis can be done by maintaining a healthy lifestyle such as eating nutritious foods regularly, getting enough rest, eating lots of fruits and vegetables, washing hands and using soap regularly every time before and after leaving the toilet. While for people who take care of people with Hepatitis A, you should take vitamin and mineral supplements. For those who want to visit areas affected by Hepatitis A outbreaks, they should also vaccinate at least 2 months before the visit.

Now, by knowing the symptoms and how to prevent them, now PEGI fellas are ready to fight Hepatitis A.

Healthy greetings.

Source:
https://www.jawapos.com/kesehatan/03/07/2019/hindari-penularan-hepatitis-a-kenali-gejala-dan-cara-pencegahannya/
Illustration: freepik.com