Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
How Can A Mother Diagnosed With Hepatitis A Make Sure Her Children And Partner Are Safe From Contracting The Illness?
Hi.. My middle daughter just got test results over the phone from the clinic she went to and had blood work done 2 weeks ago. They didn t call her when the got the results but was told that she tested positive for Hep A.. She doesn t know what to do as she takes care of my 9 month old niece. She is also concerned about her two children as well as her husband. is there something she can do to make sure everyone is safe?
Mon, 5 Feb 2024
Hi,
Hepatitis A virus is primarily transmitted thru fecal-oral route, that is when an uninfected person ingests food or water, that has been contaminated with feces of an infected person. In families, this can happen through dirty hands, when an infected person prepares food for other family members. This virus can also be transmitted through close physical contact like oral-anal sex with an infectious person.
However, casual contact among people does not spread this infection. Unlike, hepatitis B and C, hepatitis A does not cause chronic liver disease. Though, it can cause debilitating symptoms but rarely it will cause acute liver failure and very rare, it is fatal. Also, a safe and effective vaccine is available to prevent hepatitis A infection, which can be administered to the contacts, if required.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Satnarain Bansal, General & Family Physician
Hepatitis A virus is primarily transmitted thru fecal-oral route, that is when an uninfected person ingests food or water, that has been contaminated with feces of an infected person. In families, this can happen through dirty hands, when an infected person prepares food for other family members. This virus can also be transmitted through close physical contact like oral-anal sex with an infectious person.
However, casual contact among people does not spread this infection. Unlike, hepatitis B and C, hepatitis A does not cause chronic liver disease. Though, it can cause debilitating symptoms but rarely it will cause acute liver failure and very rare, it is fatal. Also, a safe and effective vaccine is available to prevent hepatitis A infection, which can be administered to the contacts, if required.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Satnarain Bansal, General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....