Following six weeks travelling through Asia, my son returned home unwell and was diagnosed with hepatitis A. I was under the impression that hepatitis was a very serious and long-term illness, but he says there is no need for me to worry as he doesn't have the serious type.
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver from any cause. There are several different hepatitis virus of which type A is just one. This particular virus invades the liver after it has entered the body. This usually occurs through infected water or food - particularly contaminated shell fish - being taken into the bowel.
When the virus is present in the bowel it can spread to others by means of unwashed hands, towels or food contamination. Hepatitis A is more likely to be contracted in Third World countries. Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended before travelling to regions with poor hygiene standards.
He initially thought he was getting a dose of flu, but when his skin turned yellow he knew it was something more.
A flu-like illness often develops in those infected with the hepatitis A virus followed by jaundice - a yellow tinge of the skin that is caused by a build-up of the pigment, bilirubin, in the body. This excess of bilirubin also accounts for the symptoms of dark urine and pale stools which some sufferers notice.
Other symptoms include loss of appetite, nausea, fever and muscle pains. Blood tests can identify the exact virus causing the infection and the antibodies produced by the body to fight it.
Can it cause any long-term effect?
In the majority of cases hepatitis A is a mild disease and complete recovery is usual. Rest, a nutritious diet and adequate hydration are important to aid recovery. Abstaining from alcohol until fully recovered and avoiding foods, particularly fatty ones, that upset the tummy is recommended.
As a person is most infectious two weeks before and one week after the onset of jaundice, some simple measures can help prevent disease spreading to others. These include: washing hands carefully with disinfectant after using the bathroom; disinfecting the bathroom door handles; not sharing cutlery or crockery with a person known to have hepatitis A; and not using tea towels to dry dishes.