The Lexicon of Hepatitis A & Why You Should Get Vaccinated

     Who ever takes into consideration when they are eating or when they are outside that what we sometimes take or breathe into our bodies is not the healthiest or safest entity for our body’s function? It would only seem natural that what the earth produces was made for man’s benefit and never for their harm, but with the existence of bacteria in our environment, our immune system is subject to many risks that we don’t see nor taste. This is especially the case when individuals travel to other countries and/or cities that are still in the development phase or that have poor hygiene standards and because of this, neutralization of certain diseases is slow. One of these is Hepatitis A which is a worldwide viral disease. In mostly low-income regions is the virus more prevalent. The virus is not known to become fatal (mortality rate is only 0.5%) but the symptoms and the effects on an individual’s health is a burden that nobody would want to carry. Fatigue, consistent itching, loss of appetite, severe fever, nausea and vomiting, yellowing of the skin and eyes, and the darkening of the urine (due to liver infection) are just some of the symptoms of Hepatitis A.

     Hepatitis A can infect an individual in any region in the world where sanitary conditions are poor but it is especially more common in Asia, Eastern Europe, South and Central America. It can be transmitted through sexual contact with an individual who has the virus through anal-oral contact, contaminated food and water (especially fruit, vegetables, and shellfish), or through an individual with poor hygiene such as lack of proper hand-washing or showering and that touches objects and food after bathroom breaks.   

There is no known cure for Hepatitis A but there are ways to prevent infection, the most important being vaccination. Every day, we surround ourselves with individuals who we don’t know how their hygiene is and because nowadays most people choose to eat outside, unbeknownst to the individual, the purity and cleanness of what they are taking in may very well be lacking. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the best way to prevent Hepatitis A is by getting vaccinated. Here are three reasons why the vaccination should be considered and taken by individuals:

•  If you are an individual that likes to travel and are planning to do so this summer, the vaccine should be considered especially if you are visiting a region where hepatitis A is prevalent
•  If you have had close personal contact with someone who is infected, whether it is a spouse, sexual partner (especially anal-oral contact), or family member.
•  If you are an individual whose occupation involves working with animals, primates, children and people who are sick especially in veterinarians, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and hospitals.

     The side-effects of the Hepatitis A vaccine should not turn you away nor give you reason for not considering vaccination for they are not severe and in most cases are known to be mild such as headache, tiredness, and soreness where the shot was given. If you are planning to travel, the vaccine should be taken 4 weeks before you travel to allow time for the vaccine to work. My motto is that a clean bill of health is always bliss and in reality, it really is and it is worth every investment that we make. If you are considering taking the vaccine and seeking more info, visit us at our website at www.travelclinicny.com or call us at 212-696-5900 to schedule an appointment. A worry-free and healthy summer is bliss!