Hepatitis A Transmitted Easy But Can Be Prevented

Not long ago, dozens of students in Bandung simultaneously infected with Hepatitis A. Earlier in 2008, similar events also occurred in Yogyakarta and was even designated as Extraordinary Events. Can Hepatitis A be prevented?

As reported TEST, dozens of students at the University of Parahyangan (Unpar) simultaneously rushed to hospital with suspected of contracting hepatitis A at 6 to 7 October 2011. The results showed, 12 positive student contracted the virus that attacks the liver.

This case is discussed in various media crowded, because the students infected in about the same time. This condition implies that the virus is highly contagious, potentially spread in a neighborhood inhabited by many people.
Just to compare, transmission of hepatitis A outbreaks have also occurred in Yogyakarta in around 2008. At that time, no fewer than 683 people are infected and most or about 40 percent of the victims were students, especially from the University of Gajah Mada (UGM).

There is a similarity of both cases, the hepatitis A outbreak infecting many of the students. Diyakni, it is closely related to the habits of some students who are less priority to hygiene, especially when eating at food stalls and boarding-lodging.

A researcher from Hepatitis A, Prof. Dr. Hari Kusnanto as reported previously said that the cleanliness factor plays an important role in viral transmission of hepatitis A. When eating at the stalls, hygiene is often neglected on the grounds that more practical.

"One bucket to wash the dirty and one bucket for clean water again. Fact that washing the dishes or glasses a lot," said Prof. Day was then, when describing the habit of washing dishes in the stalls are judged less hygienic.

To prevent transmission of hepatitis A through cutlery, Prof. Hari suggested that water for washing dishes must be completely clean and frequently replaced. If necessary, the water used can add chlorine to rid it of impurities, including germs hepatitis.

Besides the issue of washing the dishes, another thing to be done to prevent transmission of hepatitis A is running a clean lifestyle on an individual basis. For example washing hands with soap and vaccination for risk groups, such as quoted from Mayoclinic, Friday (10/28/2011) the following:

1. Children and teens
2. Laboratory employees who serign contact with hepatitis A virus
3. Men who have sex with men
4. The people who will travel to endemic areas of hepatitis A
5. Illicit drug users, especially those using a syringe
6. Patients with chronic liver disorders.

In many cases, infection with hepatitis A never grow up as badly herpatitis B or C so it will not cause liver cancer. However, hepatitis A continues to be treated well because of reduced productivity for those who must be hospitalized.

There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A, because the infection usually resolves itself in 1-2 months. However, to reduce impact damage to the liver as well as speed up the healing process, some steps will be given following treatment while being treated in hospital.

1. Rest. The goal is to provide enough energy for your immune system in fighting infection.

2. Anti nausea. One impact of hepatitis A infection are nausea, which reduces appetite. This impact must be addressed because nutrition is very important in the healing process.

3. Rest your heart. Liver function is to metabolize the drugs are already used in the body. Because liver inflammation is experiencing pain, then drugs that do not need as well as alcohol and the like should be avoided during illness.