Hepatitis A is on the rise across Virginia and men who have sex with men (MSM) are at risk!
What is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. When the inflammation is caused by infection with the hepatitis A virus (HAV), the disease is called hepatitis A.
Symptoms often include:
- fatigue
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes),
- nausea
- abdominal pain
- upset stomach
- diarrhea
- dark urine or light colored stools.
Hepatitis A ranges in severity from a mild disease lasting several weeks to a severe disease lasting several months.
HAV can be found in the feces (stool) of infected people and their feces can contaminate surfaces, objects, food, or water. People get sick by swallowing the contaminated food or water or by putting their hands in their mouths after touching contaminated surfaces or objects. The virus can also spread from person to person through sexual activities and sharing contaminated needles
Anyone who has not been infected with HAV previously or has not been vaccinated against hepatitis A can become infected and ill from HAV.
People at greater risk of getting hepatitis A include:
- those who travel to or live in countries where hepatitis A is common
- those who have sexual contact with someone who has hepatitis A
- men who have sex with other men
- people who use recreational drugs
- people who have clotting disorders, and
- household members or caregivers of a person infected with hepatitis A.
READ MORE ABOUT HEPATITIS A HERE >>
What is the best way to prevent Hepatitis A?
The best way to prevent hepatitis A is by getting vaccinated. One dose of hepatitis A vaccine is 95% effective at preventing illness and two doses offer close to 100% protection.
Hand hygiene is also important to prevent the spread of HAV. Always wash hands carefully after using the toilet, changing diapers, engaging in sexual activity that involves anal contact, and before eating or preparing food. Avoid eating raw shellfish taken from potentially contaminated waters. People with hepatitis A should not handle foods during the contagious period.
READ MORE ABOUT HEPATITIS A PREVENTION HERE >>
Where can I get vaccinated?
Hepatitis A vaccine is available at a variety of locations across Virginia at no cost!
Many doctor’s offices and pharmacies carry the vaccine. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to see if they have the hepatitis A vaccine in stock.
Hepatitis A vaccine is also available at local health departments across the state and is often available in PrEP clinics, too. Vaccine availability and clinic hours may vary, so it is best to call ahead for more information.
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Have more questions?
Contact your doctor or give your local health department a call! You may also contact the Virginia Disease Prevention Hotline at (800) 533-4148.