Increase in Hepatitis A Cases Raises Concerns During Summer Holidays
Summer holidays are a time for relaxation and fun, but it is important to be mindful of our food and water intake, especially during this time of the year. Hepatitis A, a viral hepatitis that is commonly contracted through consuming contaminated food or water, poses a significant risk, particularly to individuals in their 20s and 40s who do not have antibodies against the virus. Elderly individuals and those with chronic liver disease are at an even greater risk of developing severe complications if infected, making prevention a top priority.
The Telltale Signs of Hepatitis A
In cases where individuals experience digestive symptoms along with changes in urine and skin color, it is crucial to consider hepatitis A as a possible cause. The infection, which is transmitted primarily through contaminated food or water, has become more prevalent in young adults in their 20s and 40s due to improved hygiene conditions and the lack of natural antibodies in this age group. Recent statistics from the HIRA show that more than 80% of hepatitis A patients are now within this demographic.
The progression of hepatitis A typically involves an incubation period of 2 to 4 weeks, during which symptoms such as fever, nausea, muscle pain, and fatigue may arise. It is often mistaken for a common cold at this stage. However, as the infection progresses, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), itchy skin, darkened urine, and upper right stomach pain may develop.
While hospitalization may be necessary in severe cases, most individuals experience an improvement in symptoms and liver enzyme levels within 4 to 6 weeks after receiving rest and symptomatic treatment.
Preventing Hepatitis A: The Key Measures
Gastroenterology specialist Yoon Ki-cheol emphasizes the importance of comprehensive hygiene management, including regular handwashing, proper food handling, and boiling water, as the fundamental means of preventing hepatitis A. In Korea, where the consumption of raw fish, uncooked shellfish, and untreated drinking water is common, extra caution should be exercised during summer vacations. When preparing meals, thorough cooking is essential, and choosing reputable restaurants that prioritize hygienic practices is advisable. Additionally, particular attention should be given to the consumption of salted seafood that has not undergone heat treatment, as it was a significant source of hepatitis A outbreaks in 2019.
Vaccination is also a crucial preventive measure. Since 2015, the national vaccination program has made hepatitis A vaccination freely available for children aged between 12 and 23 months, with two doses administered six months apart. Park Jae-seok, director of H+ Gastroenterology Hospital, affirms that completing the two vaccinations results in more than 95% antibody formation, effectively preventing infection. While adults are not eligible for free vaccination, individuals under the age of 40 in high-risk groups are strongly advised to get vaccinated. For those over 40 without antibodies, vaccination is recommended after an antibody test.
While serious side effects are rare, those with a history of allergic reactions to other vaccines should inform their healthcare provider prior to vaccination. It is unnecessary to test for antibody formation after vaccination, as antibodies are almost always produced.
Heightened Risk for Certain Groups
Gastroenterology expert Yoon Ki-cheol emphasizes that while hepatitis A is generally a treatable disease, it can lead to severe liver failure in some cases. Therefore, individuals with existing liver diseases, such as chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis, should prioritize vaccination and take extra precautions regarding food intake and hygiene during the summer holidays.
TIP: Hepatitis A Vaccination is Essential for Those Under 40
- Adults in their 20s and 30s who have not received the vaccine or previously had hepatitis A
- Individuals traveling to countries with a high incidence of hepatitis A
- Those who have been in contact with hepatitis A patients
- Laboratory workers handling the hepatitis A virus
- Soldiers, medical personnel, and food service workers
- Patients with blood clotting disorders
- Individuals with chronic liver disease
- Individuals addicted to illegal drugs
By being proactive in taking preventive measures, such as vaccination and hygiene management, we can minimize the risk of contracting hepatitis A and enjoy a safe and healthy summer.
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In addition to digestive symptoms, urine and skin color changes
Be aware of food and water intake during the summer holidays
Hepatitis A is a viral hepatitis that can easily be caused by ingesting contaminated food or water. In particular, the risk of it occurring is high among young people in their 20s and 40s who do not have antibodies. Elderly people or people with chronic liver disease can worsen with serious complications when they are infected, so they need to pay special attention to prevention (Photo = Clip Art Korea)
During the hot and humid summer months, there are many cases where people get sick from unintentional eating. At this time, food poisoning or enteritis is suspected, but If the color of urine and skin turns yellow along with digestive symptoms and the whole body itches, suspect hepatitis A.Should be.
Hepatitis A is the most common viral hepatitis worldwide and is transmitted through contaminated food or water. In the past, when sanitary conditions were poor, almost all adults naturally had hepatitis A antibodies. However, with the change in times, hygiene conditions have improved, and now The number of patients is increasing, mainly in the younger generation in their 20s and 40s who do not have antibodiesthe trend is to According to the HIRA, from 2021, the latest statistics, the proportion of hepatitis A patients in their 20s and 40s accounted for more than 80%.
Hepatitis A infection has an incubation period of 2 to 4 weeks. Fever, nausea, muscle pain, fatigue, etc.do. At this stage, it is easy to misunderstand it as a simple cold, but later Jaundice, itchy skin, darkening of the urine and yellowing of the eyes and skinappears. upper right stomach painit can also be accompanied.
Depending on the symptoms of hepatitis A, hospitalization may be required, but symptoms and liver levels usually improve in 4 to 6 weeks with plenty of rest and symptomatic treatment.
Yoon Ki-cheol, a specialist in gastroenterology at Seonam Hospital in Seoul, said, “But Full-blown hepatitis or liver failure can occur in about 0.5% of patients, and death can occur if a liver transplant is unsuccessful.“Especially The elderly and patients with chronic liver disease (chronic hepatitis B / C, alcoholic liver disease, cirrhosis, etc.) are at great risk of developing these complications, so take special care to avoid catching hepatitis A.It has to be done,” he stressed.
The most basic way to prevent hepatitis A is to manage hygiene thoroughly, such as washing hands, cooking food, and boiling water. especially In Korea, it is known to be commonly spread through foods such as raw fish, uncooked shellfish, and drinking water, so special attention is needed during summer vacations.do. When you cook food on holiday, you must cook it, and it is good to check once in a restaurant that it has been cooked in a hygienic environment. Among them Be especially careful with salted seafood that has only been salted without heat.Should be. In fact, the main cause of hepatitis A, which was common in 2019, was contaminated shellfish.
Vaccination is also important. Since 2015, hepatitis A has been included in the national vaccination programme. All children aged between 12 and 23 months are vaccinated for free. 2 doses 6 months apartYou can do it.
Park Jae-seok, director of H+ Gastroenterology Hospital affiliated with H+ Yangji Hospital, said, “If two vaccinations are completed, more than 95% of antibodies are formed, so infection can be prevented,” he explained.
Adults are not eligible for free vaccination. Vaccination is recommended for high risk groups under the age of 40 who are at high risk of hepatitis A virus infection (see below)a If you are over 40 and do not have antibodies after an antibody test, get the vaccinationIt is good to do.
There are usually no serious side effects, but depending on the individual, an allergic reaction to the vaccine can occur. therefore If you have a history of allergy to other vaccines, you must tell your healthcare provider before being vaccinated. do. Antibodies are almost always formed after vaccination, so no test is needed to confirm antibody formation.
Expert Yoon Ki-cheol said, “Hepatitis A It is a disease that can be common in modern young people with good hygiene and is generally well treated, but in severe cases, it can even lead to liver failure.“Especially If you suffer from liver diseases such as chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis of the liver, make sure you are vaccinated and take care of your food intake and hygiene during the summer holidays.it should be done,” he advised.
TIP. If you are under 40, you must have the hepatitis A vaccine!
– Adults in their 20s and 30s who have not been vaccinated or who have never had hepatitis A
– Travel to a country with a high incidence of hepatitis A
– People who come into contact with hepatitis A patients
– Laboratory workers handling hepatitis A virus
– Soldiers, medical personnel, food service workers
– Patients with blood clotting disease
– Patients with chronic liver disease
– Addicted to illegal drugs
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