Heptatitis A
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious virus most commonly transmitted person-to-person via the oral-fecal route.
What Are The Symptoms Of Hepatitis A?
Fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and jaundice.
When Is The Hepatitis A Vaccination Given?
In adults, a primary dose is given initially, then a booster 6 to 12 months later. In those 2-18 years of age, an initial dose is followed by a dose in one month and then a booster at 6 to 12 months later.
Who Should Receive The Hepatitis A Vaccination?
Exposure: This vaccination is indicated for people who are exposed to the Hepatitis A virus and those desiring protection against the virus.
Travelers: Areas where the infection is present include, but are not limited to Africa, Asia (except Japan), the Mediterranean basin, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Central and South America, Mexico, and parts of the Caribbean. Immunization should be given at least two weeks prior to travel.
IN THE KNOW
The American Cancer Society recently revealed that death rates from gastrointestinal cancers were reduced by 40 percent in men and women who consumed an average of 16 or more aspirin tablets per month than those who did not. (Colon cancer leads to over 80,000 deaths per year in the United States.)