Preventing Viral Hepatitis: Information and Tips from Doctors Association in Lebanon

The Health, Cultural and Media Committees and the Citizen Education Committee of the Doctors Association in Lebanon distributed a short health bulletin on Viral Hepatitis of the Millennium in all governments, especially in towns and cities.

The leaflet contained the following information:

Pathogen: Hepatitis A virus

Modes of transmission: through contaminated water, contaminated drinks, contaminated food, eating raw or undercooked meat and fish, or contaminated hands. The incubation period of the disease extends from 28 to 30 days after infection.

Symptoms of the disease: high temperature (fever), malaise, loss of appetite, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).

Diagnosis: Blood tests are used to detect signs of hepatitis A virus in the patient’s body. Where a blood sample is taken, usually from a vein in the arm. It has been sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Complications: In rare cases, hepatitis can suddenly (suddenly) stop liver function, especially among older adults or those with chronic liver disease. Acute liver failure requires hospitalization for observation and treatment. Some people with severe liver failure may need a liver transplant.

Treatment: There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A. The body gets rid of the virus itself. In most cases of hepatitis A, the liver heals within six months without any permanent damage.

Prevention: keeping water clean, chlorinating water, keeping food safe and clean, washing fruit and vegetables with clean water, drinking clean water and drinks, not eating raw or uncooked meat and fish crouched, and washing hands well before preparing and eating food and after entering. The hepatitis A vaccine also prevents infection with the virus.