Although Hepatitis A isn’t normally a disease you think about when talking about male sexual health, it does impact your overall health, You can’t be in peak sexual health with any disease negatively impacting your body. As with any disease, if you experience the symptoms of hepatitis A, please consult a medical professional immediately.
Let’s learn a little more about Hepatitis A.
What is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a disease affecting the liver, caused by the hepatitis A virus. Although hepatitis does not result in chronic liver disease, like hepatitis B or hepatitis C, it can result in debilitating symptoms, as well as acute liver failure, especially if not treated.
How is Hepatitis A Spread?
Hepatitis A is spread primarily in one way:
- Ingestion of food or water that has been contaminated with the feces of a person who has hepatitis A.
How can this happen? Obviously, in developing countries, contamination of the water supply with sewage is a big concern and contributor. However, even in developed countries hepatitis A can occur. This often is due to poor personalize hygiene of food service workers. One infected food service employee using the restroom and not properly washing their hands, before going back to work, can result in dozens of new people infected.
What are the Symptoms of Hepatitis A?
Symptoms of hepatitis A can range in severity from mild to severe. These include:
- Fever,
- Malaise,
- Loss of appetite,
- Diarrhea,
- Nausea,
- Abdominal distress,
- Dark-coloured urine and
- Jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes).
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical assistance right away.
How is Hepatitis A Treated?
There is no specific treatment for the hepatitis A virus. Instead, treatment typically focuses on helping address the symptoms while the virus runs its course. These include dehydration due to diarrhea and vomiting.