As the daytime temperature fluctuates around 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), marking the onset of a full-fledged summer, various infectious diseases are also rising. The hot and humid summer climate creates an ideal environment for bacteria to breed. Foodborne infections can cause diseases if not treated with special attention.
On the 13th, Professor Lee Moon Hyung of the Gastroenterology Department at Kangdong Kyung Hee University Hospital stated that Hepatitis A, one of the infectious diseases to be cautious of during summer, has symptoms similar to a cold. He also emphasized the importance of prevention, which can lead to severe complications if the treatment is delayed.
Hepatitis A infection through contaminated food and water
Hepatitis is a disease that causes inflammation in the liver or liver cells. It usually occurs due to Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E viruses, alcohol or drug use, or fatty liver. Among these, Hepatitis A is an infectious disease that primarily spreads through contaminated food or water, unlike Hepatitis B and C, which spread through blood or sexual contact.
In most cases, it is naturally healed, but it is crucial to take precautions as missing treatment, or if it is improperly addressed, it can lead to serious complications.
During the summer, the risk of contracting Hepatitis A increases due to consuming uncooked seafood such as shellfish and fish, street food, and contaminated water, particularly during overseas travel to areas where hygiene conditions may be suboptimal. Especially as the weather gets hotter, the virus becomes more active, making storing, handling, and consuming food freshly and safely even more crucial. It is essential to know proper storage methods and practice good hygiene.
Similar to symptoms of cold and food poisoning,.. risk of liver failure if neglected
The initial symptoms of Hepatitis A are similar to those of a cold or food poisoning. There can be fever, fatigue, and loss of appetite, and individuals may experience nausea or vomiting and abdominal pain. Within a few days after the initial symptoms appear, the color of urine may darken, while the color of stools may lighten. The whites of the eyes and skin may turn yellow, indicating jaundice, a condition that can worsen over time. Most patients with Hepatitis A can recover within a few weeks after the initial symptoms appear, but some patients may have symptoms lasting for several months.
If left untreated, the symptoms can worsen, leading to progressive liver damage and the possibility of acute liver failure. Liver failure is a life-threatening situation that requires immediate treatment. In very rare cases, a liver transplant may be needed if the liver damage is very severe. Of course, it is very rare for patients with normal immunity to need a liver transplant due to Hepatitis A infection alone. However, for patients who already have Hepatitis B or other liver diseases, the symptoms tend to be more severe, and the recovery period is typically longer.
No drugs have been developed to treat the Hepatitis A virus yet. Therefore, treatment focuses on relieving symptoms to alleviate the patient’s discomfort and pain. In particular, adequate rest and high-protein nutrition intake are important. In severe cases, patients may be hospitalized to relieve symptoms. Also, it is necessary to avoid consuming alcohol, which can burden the liver, as it can worsen the symptoms and prolong the recovery period.
Vaccination is the most certain prevention method
Although there are no specific medications for treatment, Hepatitis A can be effectively prevented through vaccination. Vaccination is carried out twice and provides long-term immunity. The number of Hepatitis A patients in their 30s and 40s is also related to vaccination.
These age groups did not have widespread access to the Hepatitis A vaccination in the past. Recently, with the widespread adoption of Hepatitis A vaccination, there has been a significant decrease in cases among children and teenagers.
Currently, Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for individuals under 40 without the need for antibody testing. For those over 40, vaccination is recommended only if antibodies are absent after the test. If you have not been vaccinated yet, especially if you have other hepatitis or liver diseases, it is good to consider vaccination.
If given a little attention, Hepatitis A can be prevented. The virus can be prevented if you get vaccinated and pay attention to personal hygiene. Especially in summer, washing hands frequently, cooking food well, and drinking only purified water is essential. Also, if symptoms suspected of Hepatitis A occur, it is necessary not to take it lightly and get medical attention early.
