Stop the spread of hepatitis A – wash your hands!
The most common type of hepatitis reported in the United States is hepatitis A. This highly contagious liver infection causes inflammation and affects the liver’s ability to function properly.
Hepatitis A is usually spread through the “fecal-oral” route (putting something in your mouth that has been contaminated with the stool of a person infected). Be mindful to limit touching your face or mouth with your hands when they are not washed. Touching even microscopic amounts of contaminated stool are enough to spread the infection. To prevent person-to-person spread thoroughly wash your hands after using the bathroom changing diapers and before preparing or eating food.
Thorough handwashing is a simple method you can implement every day to decrease the transmission of hepatitis A. For long-term protection the hepatitis vaccination is recommended for children 12-23 months of age and for those individuals who are considered high risk.
According to the CDC you are at a higher risk if you:
- Have direct contact with someone infected with hepatitis A
- Use illegal (injection or non-injection) drugs
- Work in a child care center
- Have a blood clotting disorder
- Are a man who has sex with men
- Are HIV positive
- Travel to countries where the infection is common
- Live with or are in close contact with adopted children from countries where the infection is common
The state of Indiana has added the hepatitis A vaccination to the list of required vaccinations for 6th and 12th grade for the 2018-2019 school year.
The hepatitis A vaccine is available through your primary care doctor or local health department.
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