Over the last few years, the number of people getting infected
with hepatitis A in the United States has dropped tremendously by
95%. All thanks to the Hepatitis A vaccine. However, it is still a
common illness in other developing countries.
If you’re planning a trip to any developing countries, prepare
your to-do-checklist few months before boarding. This involves
booking tickets and hotel, carrying travel essentials, and
considering health risks associated with the place you’re traveling
to.
Being in a developing country, you’ll become susceptible in
contracting hepatitis A. It is a viral infection that usually affects
liver with mild to severe symptoms, and even death in some cases.
Hepatitis A is transferred through the ingestion of contaminated
water and food. Therefore, to keep yourself protected from Hepatitis
A, it is important to get the right vaccine a few weeks before your
travel.
Your risk of developing hepatitis A
Although you can contract hepatitis A virus in the United States,
the risk is more in the developing countries. Especially the
countries lacking quality sanitary conditions. Did you know nearly
90% of children under 10 years have been infected with hepatitis A in
developing countries?
The common symptoms of hepatitis A include:
-
Fever
-
Loss of appetite
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Nausea
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Diarrhea
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Dark-colored urine
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Abdominal discomfort
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And jaundice
The incubation period for these symptoms to develop is usually
between 14 and 28 days. Once you contract hepatitis A, there is no
specific treatment for the illness. Thus, getting vaccinated is the
best way to protect yourself from hepatitis A.
Tips to avoid and stay safe from hepatitis A
While hepatitis A virus is life-threatening, most people can
recover from the illness with a lifetime immunity. However, there are
various precautionary measures that will help you stay out of harm.
If you are abroad, especially in one of the developing countries,
make sure you drink clean water and food. Plus, having knowledge
about food safety is the simplest way to reduce the risk. Washing
your hands before eating and after going to the toilet as well as
getting vaccinated are another important effective measure.
Hepatitis A vaccine is a proven way to protect yourself from
contracting HAV. Almost 100% of people who get the vaccine develop
protective preventive agents to the HAV - hepatitis A virus.
According to health experts, each person traveling to a developing
country must be injected with two shots of vaccine with a gap of six
months for long-lasting protection.
When it comes to hepatitis A vaccines, they were introduced to the
United States in the year, 1996. And since then, the United States
has encountered reduced number of hepatitis A cases.
Apart from the United States, there are many nations that
encounter fewer cases of hepatitis A virus. As per the centers
for disease control and prevention, Australia, Canada, Japan, New
Zealand, Scandinavia, and Western Europe are among the safest regions
for hepatitis.
If you’re traveling to any foreign countries, make sure you get
all the information about the region, such as the weather conditions,
common diseases, and outbreaks. And accordingly get yourself
vaccinated to have a safe and disease-free trip.