Up to now this year, there have been 141 cases of hepatitis A in the country



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This 28th of July is World Hepatitis Day, a viral disease that affects 257 million people, according to the World Health Organization, which set out to eliminate the disease of the world. 39, here 2021.

Hepatitis is highly contagious and can be delicate because it produces inflammation in the liver, caused by viruses called A, B, C, D and E. All cause diseases, but the symptoms do not always appear. They can be transmitted in different ways: food, contaminated water, bad without a condom, from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth, by sharing personal hygiene items, tattoos Or manicures with non-sterile items, infected needles, among others.

According to the National Institute of Health, in Colombia, 141 cases of hepatitis A were reported during week 28 of the year.

The consumption of food contaminated with the virus of hepatitis A to the poorest and with poor sanitary conditions. Prevention of this disease includes the application of the vaccine to infants as early as one year of age, obtaining protective antibodies at four weeks in 90% to 100% of vaccinated .

"Immunization Good hygiene practices such as hand washing and proper food preparation, among others, are the main tools to prevent the spread of hepatitis A. Children must be vaccinated at 12 months and adults at risk of infection "Edwin Silva, infectious disease specialist, consultant for outpatient services and immunization for health by compensation

The expert noted that when it is acquired, may present symptoms such as fever, yellowing of the skin, and eyes, pain in the abdomen, dark urine, whitish stools, nausea , vomiting, loss of appetite, among others.

In the country, the first dose (at 12 months) is covered by the PAI (free). A second dose (6 months after the first dose, minors or adults) provides extended protection for more than 10 years years, has an additional cost and is available on vaccination sites.

Hepatitis B is a much more aggressive disease that affects the liver. Therefore, in Colombia in 1993, the vaccine for children under one year old was universalized and in 2001, the dose application to the newborn during its first 12 hours of life was been included. In contrast, hepatitis C is a silent disease, has no symptoms at acute time and can cause cirrhosis. It is transmitted by the blood

How to avoid it?

Adults and children should take the following special precautions to prevent hepatitis:

– Take water, avoid poor hygiene, avoid sharing personal grooming tools and use a condom.
It is also important to emphasize the symptoms

– Yellow in the eyes and on the skin, pale color in the stool, dark color in the urine, joint pain, vomiting and disintegration.

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