ASK About Hand-Washing: Hepatitis A
We all know that washing hands is important. Why is it important? It can affect your health if you don’t wash your hands. One virus that has been spreading in the last couple of years is Hepatitis A. While the symptoms often resemble the flu, depending on the health of an individual, Hepatitis A can be life threatening.
Hepatitis A is a communicable viral infection of the liver. It is transmitted person-to-person through the fecal-oral route or consumption of contaminated food or water. For further information I refer you to the CDC . Children and adults are affected by this viral infection. The symptoms resemble those of the flu and include fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dark urine, joint pain and jaundice which is the skin and whites of the eyes turn kind of yellow (in children over 7 and adults).
In Florida, the number of reported cases of Hepatitis A has increased from 106 cases in 2014 to 2266 cases in just 6 months in 2019. The spread has not come from outside the state, and State Officials continue to try and find a common source. However, Florida is not the only state with Hepatitis A as an increasing issue. There is one primary way to prevent Hepatitis A from person to person contact. Increase hand-washing efforts for every individual young to old.
Cell phones have also been shown to carry a large number of bacteria and viruses. It has been said to be 10 times more than a toilet seat. What is the moral of this story? Don’t use the phone in the bathroom, keep it clean and wash your hands often.
Many believe that using hand sanitizers can replace a good hand-washing. This is generally not the case. If soap and water are not available a hand sanitizer that is at least 60-65% alcohol may serve until you can wash your hands. There are several reasons why hand sanitizers are not effective, or should not be overused. I refer you to Show Me the Science
Finally, I know that vaccines are controversial. However, there is a Hepatitis A vaccine available for children and adults. Check the guidelines at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to determine when it is appropriate to be vaccinated. Pharmacists in many States can vaccinate. Check with your local pharmacist to see if you should get the Hepatitis A vaccine.
We will continue to provide you with knowledge that can help keep you, your family and your community healthy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hav/havfaq.htm#general
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/show-me-the-science-hand-sanitizer.html
You can find out more information about Hepatitis A: https://www.stdtesting.org/hepatitis-a-testing/