Most of the time, infection with the hepatitis A virus, HAV, does not cause symptoms, which increases the risk of transmission of the virus, since the person does not know that he has it. In other cases, the symptoms may appear about 15 to 40 days after infection, however they can be similar to that of the flu, such as sore throat, cough, headache and feeling sick, for example.
Despite having symptoms that can be mistaken for other diseases, hepatitis A can also lead to more specific symptoms. If you are unsure whether or not you may have hepatitis A, select the symptoms in the test below and check the risk of having hepatitis:
- 1. Pain in the upper right belly Yes No
- 2. Yellowish color in the eyes or skin Yes No
- 3. Yellowish, gray or whitish stools Yes No
- 4. Dark urine Yes No
- 5. Constant low fever Yes No
- 6. Joint pain Yes No
- 7. Loss of appetite Yes No
- 8. Frequent feeling sick or dizzy Yes No
- 9. Easy tiredness for no apparent reason Yes No
- 10. Swollen belly Yes No
Normally, any of these symptoms will disappear within 6 months, but during that period it is also possible for the disease to manifest itself in cycles, that is, to appear for a few weeks and disappear again, until it completely heals.
Since the symptoms of the various types of hepatitis are very similar, it is important to consult a hepatologist to carry out the necessary tests and confirm that it is a type A hepatitis, initiating the most appropriate treatment.
When it can be serious
In most people, this type of hepatitis does not cause serious liver damage, but it disappears after a few months. However, in rare cases, liver damage may continue to increase until it causes organ failure, resulting in signs such as:
- Sudden and intense vomiting; Ease to develop bruising or bleeding; Increased irritability; Problems with memory and concentration; Dizziness or confusion.
When any of these symptoms appear, it is advisable to go immediately to the hospital to assess the functioning of the liver and start treatment, which is usually done with changes in lifestyle, such as reducing salt and protein in the diet, for example.
Find out how hepatitis A treatment is done.
How transmission occurs and how to prevent
Transmission of the hepatitis A virus, HAV, is via the fecal-oral route, that is, it happens through the consumption of food and water contaminated by the virus. Therefore, to avoid transmission it is important to always wash your hands, drink only treated water and improve hygiene and basic sanitation conditions. Another way to prevent HAV infection is through vaccination, the dose of which can be taken from 12 months. Understand how the hepatitis A vaccine works.
It is important for people with hepatitis A to avoid coming into close contact with others until 1 week after the onset of symptoms due to the ease of transmission of the virus. Therefore, to reduce the risk of transmission it is important to follow the treatment indicated by the doctor and have an adequate diet.
Check out a video on how to eat to cure hepatitis faster:
