hepatitis a

[princessruby]

What exactly is Hepatitis A and what are the most common ways of contracting it?  Is it true that this disease is rampant in Asia?

[tibalak]

HI doc,

can you interpret this test and what is all about?

anti hav g

pts abs=0.029

cut off value 0.803 result reactive

Thanks!!

[Arti Sharma, M.D.]

Hello and welcome!
Hepatitis A is an acute infection of the liver. Hepatitis A causes fever, yellowish discoloration of skin and eyes, loss of appetite, joint pains, abdominal pain, weakness etc. Hepatitis A is transmitted through ingestion of food or drinks contaminated with stool from an infected person, very rarely through anal or oral sex. It is not known to be spread through saliva or urine. A person infected with the virus takes between 2 and 6 weeks to produce symptoms. It is usually cured within 4-6 weeks with no permanent liver damage .It is quite common in Asia. The only way to prevent it is vaccination against hepatitis A and maintaining good hygiene. Hope it helps.
Best wishes!