Hepatitis A is a transmissible liver infection that is caused by hepatitis A virus. Hepatitis A is not known to cause chronic inflammation like their counterparts hepatitis B and C. Hepatitis A can cause serious problems even though it is typically a minor infection, particularly in older adults and those with underlying liver conditions. Thankfully, Hepatitis A immunization offers reliable defense against this potentially dangerous illness.

Causes of Hepatitis A virus:

Hepatitis A is an infectious disease primarily spread through contact with contaminated food and water that carries the Hepatitis A virus or by having close contact with the infected person. Oral-anal sex, inadequate sanitation, contaminated water or food, and poor personal hygiene are all strongly linked to the disease. The major way that the Hepatitis A virus spreads is through the fecal-oral route, which occurs when an uninfected person consumes food or water tainted by an infected person's feces.

Symptoms of hepatitis A infection:

If you have been exposed to Hepatitis A virus infection, you may develop some of the symptoms:

• Individuals may develop fever.
• You can experience nausea and fatigue.
• You tend to develop abdominal discomfort.
• You can develop diarrhea.
• You might notice a change in your urine color which tends to change to dark-colored output.
• You could develop jaundice that causes yellowish discoloration of the eyes and skin.

Hepatitis A Vaccination:

The Hepatitis A vaccine is a safe and best way to prevent Hepatitis A infection and its associated complications. Hepatitis A Vaccine is an antiviral drug that was approved for its medical use on May 25, 1995.

The vaccine contains inactivated Hepatitis A virus particles, which stimulate the body's immune system to produce antibodies against the virus.

Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all children, travelers to places with increased rates of hepatitis A, individuals with chronic liver disease, and others at high risk of exposure to the virus.

You are advised to complete the Hepatitis A vaccination course. It is usually administered in a two-dose series.

First dose: It is given at 12-24 months of age.

Second dose: Given 6-12 months after the first dose.

Vaccines like havrix 720 injection are used on a wide scale to offer protection against Hepatitis A viral infection. This vaccine is generally safe for immunocompromised individuals, including those with HIV infection or other conditions that weaken the immune system.

However, if you are not vaccinated previously, children, adolescents, and adults must be vaccinated immediately. It is also advised to take a vaccination course in case of males who interact sexually with other males, or are at risk of infection at work, who have direct communication with a foreign adoptee, who are homeless, HIV-positive, and patients with chronic liver disease.

Benefits of Hepatitis A vaccine:

• Hepatitis A vaccination offers protection against Hepatitis A infection. This vaccination helps the immune system of the body to stimulate the production of antibodies against the viral infection.
• Vaccination of hepatitis A helps to reduce the severity of the infection and complications that can arise from it.
• The Hepatitis A vaccine is mostly safe and well-tolerated, with minimal side effects such as soreness at the injection site.
• You will develop a long-lasting immune response against the Hepatitis A virus after receiving the vaccine. It may tend to last for several years, reducing the need for additional doses.
• Immunization decreases the number of people who are susceptible to the virus, which helps stop the spread of hepatitis A within communities. As a result of this process, herd immunity is created through high vaccination rates, protecting the unvaccinated and slowing the overall spread of hepatitis A.
• This vaccination is also beneficial for travelers who may be exposed to high levels of hepatitis infection.
• Given that it reduces the risk of developing further disease that prolongs hospital stays and other healthcare expenses related to Hepatitis A infection, immunization against the virus is thought to be cost-effective.

Conclusion:

Hepatitis A vaccination is vital for improving personal and societal health and lowering the incidence of Hepatitis A worldwide. You are advised to get your dose of vaccinations at the right time to safeguard yourself and others against the deadly demon.