Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) Infection: A Prevention Strategy Through Hygienic Maintenance and Vaccination

Abstract

Hepatitis is considered as the inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver damageable, but vaccine-preventable disease that is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It is transmitted through food and water by oral-fecal contact that is contaminated with the undetectable microscopic stool (feces, poop) of an infected person with HAV that are too small to be seen. This virus can be spread through the household or sexual contact with an infected person. It can survive for extended periods in the environment. It is one of the widespread viruses that cause hepatitis all around the globe. Younger children are asymptomatic, but infection symptoms begin to clearer among the adults. The disease is self-limited. Hepatitis A vaccine is developed in 1995 in the USA that may protect against disease for as long as 20 to 30 years. This study aims to prevent and treat the hepatitis A viral infection for reducing morbidity and mortality through the hygiene practice and vaccination in due time.