Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It leads to illness ranging from mild to severe. Effective prevention measures are available to protect individuals and public health.
Understanding How Hepatitis A Spreads
The hepatitis A virus primarily spreads through the fecal-oral route, meaning an uninfected person ingests microscopic amounts of stool from an infected person. This often occurs when someone with the virus does not wash their hands thoroughly after using the bathroom and then handles food or objects.
Contaminated food and water are common sources of infection, such as raw or undercooked shellfish from polluted waters, or fruits and vegetables washed with unsafe water. Cooked foods can also transmit the virus if contaminated after cooking, for example, by an infected food handler. Close personal contact, like living in the same household or engaging in sexual activity with an infected individual, also facilitates transmission.
Vaccination: Your Strongest Shield
Vaccination is the most effective strategy to prevent hepatitis A. The vaccine contains an inactivated form of the virus, which stimulates the body’s immune system to produce protective antibodies. This provides immunity by enabling the body to recognize and fight off the virus if exposed.
The vaccine is highly effective, with nearly all individuals developing immunity after receiving the full series. A complete vaccination course involves two doses, with the second dose given 6 to 18 months after the first. This two-dose schedule provides long-lasting protection, estimated to persist for at least 20 to 25 years and potentially for a lifetime.
Routine hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all children aged 12 to 23 months, with catch-up vaccination for children and adolescents aged 2 to 18 years who have not been previously vaccinated. Specific adult groups should also prioritize vaccination due to increased risk, including:
- International travelers visiting regions where hepatitis A is common.
- Men who have sex with men.
- Individuals who use recreational drugs.
- People with chronic liver disease or HIV.
- Individuals anticipating close contact with international adoptees.
- Certain occupations, such as food handlers or laboratory workers.
Daily Habits for Protection
Beyond vaccination, diligent daily habits significantly contribute to preventing hepatitis A transmission. Thorough hand hygiene is paramount, especially after using the restroom or changing diapers. Hands should be washed with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and always before preparing or eating food.
Safe food handling practices also reduce risk. This includes washing all fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption. Cooking food to appropriate temperatures can inactivate the virus. Avoiding raw or undercooked shellfish is also advisable, as these can be a source of contamination. Individuals symptomatic with hepatitis A should avoid preparing food for others.
Ensuring water safety is another important preventive measure. Drink safe, treated water, particularly when traveling to areas with uncertain sanitation standards. If safe bottled water is unavailable, boiling water for one minute effectively eliminates the virus.
Immediate Steps After Exposure
In situations of potential exposure to the hepatitis A virus, immediate action can help prevent illness. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) involves administering either the hepatitis A vaccine or immune globulin (IG). This intervention is most effective when given as soon as possible, ideally within two weeks of the last known exposure.
For unvaccinated individuals aged 12 months and older, a dose of the single-antigen hepatitis A vaccine is recommended. Immune globulin may be considered in addition to the vaccine for adults over 40 years of age. Infants younger than 12 months, immunocompromised individuals, and those with chronic liver disease or contraindications to the vaccine should receive immune globulin. While the vaccine provides long-term protection, immune globulin offers immediate, short-term immunity. Consulting a healthcare provider promptly after exposure is essential to determine the most appropriate course of action.