HEPATITIS A
Hepatitis A is an infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV), usually transmitted through food or water contaminated with the virus. In some cases, it can be transmitted during certain sexual practices when there is direct or indirect oro-fecal contact (between the anus of a person carrying the virus and the mouths of his or her partners): anilingus or finger in the anus followed by poor hand washing. However, HAV is not widespread in Europe, so it remains a rather rare STI in our countries, despite an epidemic recorded in Belgium in 2017 among men who have sex with men (MSM), a particularly high-risk group.
Hepatitis A is a self-limiting disease with which one acquires immunity. In most healthy people, the body gets rid of HAV without medical treatment and the virus does not cause serious illness. Deaths from HAV are rare.
A highly effective vaccine against hepatitis A is available. It is especially recommended for people traveling to regions of the world where the virus is widespread (Asia, Africa, South America and, to a lesser extent, Eastern Europe), as well as for men who have sex with men (MSM).
Hepatitis A is transmitted :
- Contact between the mouth and residual faecal matter from a contaminated person.
Mostly without symptoms. In other cases :
- nausea
- fever
- muscle aches
- jaundice
In the majority of cases, there are no consequences because the hepatitis A virus clears itself (recovery).
Only a blood test can detect HAV.
Screening for hepatitis A can be carried out 6 weeks after infection, when no symptoms are felt. It is carried out by a doctor using a blood test.
The hepatitis A virus can also disappear on its own, in which case you are immune. If it does not disappear, you are a carrier and can transmit the virus. So remember to tell your partners to get tested and treated!
Most healthy adults can eliminate the hepatitis A virus from their bodies without needing treatment. For those who cannot, there are treatments available to relieve the symptoms.
There are several ways to protect yourself from hepatitis A:
Vaccination
A free and very effective vaccine is offered in Belgium at the same time as the other infant vaccines. Two injections guarantee lifelong immunity.
Adults can also be vaccinated afterwards with two injections, provided they have not previously been in contact with the virus.
More information on the hepatitis A vaccine at www.vaccination-info.be
Preventive measures
To minimize the risk of contamination :
- Avoid contact between mouth and faeces (use latex square for anilingus).
