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| | #REDIRECT[[Hepatitis A virus]] |
| ==Causes==
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| Hepatitis [[virus]] (HAV) is a [[Viral envelope|non-enveloped]] [[Positive-sense ssRNA virus|ssRNA virus]] with a single [[serovar]].
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| [[Image:Hepatitis A virus 02.jpg|thumb|left|[[electron microscope|Electron micrograph]] of hepatitis A virions. Family:[[Picornaviridae]]]] | | [[Category:Emergency mdicine]] |
| Hepatitis A is spread through ingesting food or water contaminated by the feces of an infected person. People with HAV are infectious from the beginning of the incubation period (about a month before symptoms) until one week after they become jaundiced.
| | [[Category:Disease]] |
| Common ways of acquiring Hepatitis A are:
| | [[Category:Up-To-Date]] |
| * Direct Person-to-person transmission
| | [[Category:Infectious disease]] |
| ** Eating food made by someone who has HAV who did not properly wash their hands after using the bathroom.
| | [[Category:Hepatology]] |
| ** Having anal or oral sex with someone who has HAV.
| | [[Category:Gastroenterology]] |
| ** Not washing hands after changing a diaper (young children often are asymptomatic).
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| * Indirect transmission
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| ** Eating uncooked food that is HAV-contaminated. Cooked food can also cause Hepatitis if not heated to 185°F (85°C) for 1 minute after being contaminated with HAV.
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| ** Drinking contaminated water. This is a common route of infection in underdeveloped countries. Chlorinated water, such as tap water in developed countries, kills HAV.
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| If you have HAV or you live with someone who has HAV, to prevent spreading one with HAV should:
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| *Always wash hands thoroughly after going to the bathroom.
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| *Clean bathrooms often, paying attention to commonly-touched surfaces (toilet seats, faucet taps, etc.).
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| *Not prepare food for other people.
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| *Not share utensils.
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| *Not share any personal items that can spread HAV (toothbrushes, towels, etc.).
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| It is recommended that all people with Hepatitis A not work for 1 week after they become jaundiced to prevent spreading.
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| ==References==
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| {{reflist|2}}
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