Hyderabad: More than 2000 cases of hepatitis A are reported every year after the onset of monsoon. Hepatitis A is a viral disease that is mainly caused due to the consumption of contaminated food or water. Most of the times the viral does not cause any long lasting harm but sometimes in the cases of children, pregnant women and senior citizens it can get fatal due to their lower immunity. The incidence increases with feco-oral contamination, poor sanitation and usage of uncooked raw vegetables.
Dr Asha Subbalakshmi, senior gastroenterologist and liver specialist explained, “Purified water is best for drinking purposes as it filters all bacteria and viruses but low quality packed mineral water bottles can become a cause for contamination.”
The incidence of jaundice in monsoon varies from 3 to 12.4 per cent. Dr S G Harsha, a senior general physician explained, “Corporate employees who frequently travel for work to different states are exposed to different foods and water and can get easily affected.”
The hepatitis A virus takes 14 to 28 days to incubate and the most common symptom is jaundice. There is no specific treatment for hepatitis and recovery is slow and often takes weeks.
Dr S G Praekh, senior gastroenterologist explained, “Therapy is aimed at maintaining proper nutritional balance and including adequate amount of fluid as it is lost due to vomiting and diarrhea. The patient has to take adequate rest. In case of pregnant women, they have to take additional nutrients to ensure that the foetus is not affected.”
Liver care
- Avoid outside food and water. Maintain hygiene and always wash your hands before having food.
- If you are drenched in the rain, always take a shower and wash off all the bacteria from your body.
- Street-food is a big NO! Since you are not sure about the hygiene of the place, it is better to avoid outside food.
- Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
- No Alcohol! Not only it has a negative impact on your already damaged liver, it can also make you tired.
