Patient I work with has Hepatitis A.. Should i be worried?

[blueyezz4]

So my title kinda says it all... a patient that I have been working with may have Hep A so now I'm kinda worried. Only one person at my work knows that I'm prego right now and i was hoping to keep it that way for a little while, but if i really shouldn't be seeing this patient then i might have to tells some other people. Anyone know???

[lil_stinkyfeet]

I am not sure.. You might want to post it over in the Vax board too.

[HeatherHeather]

If you've ever had hepatitis A, you have lifelong immunity. I *think* most people get immunity in childhood. I don't think there is any risk to the baby if you were to get hepatitis A during pregnancy, you could just potentially just get sick. Lots of people get hep A without having any symptoms.

[cileag]

Hep A is transmitted through fecal matter generally. Using universal precautions, wearing gloves if needed, and washing your hands often should be sufficient. You should be fine.

[MinneMom]

The previous posters addressed a lot of the issues. Hep A is a short term (acute illness) that generally lasts up to 6 months and then the person resolves (clears) the virus and has life long immunity. So, first of all I would want to clarify that this patient is currently infectious and not just immune.
Hep A is spread through feces, and the effects can range from mild illness to severe illness, even liver failure. Certainly, practice universal precautions. If you think you've been exposed, you can receive vaccine or immune globulin (depending on your age) as post-exposure prophylaxis (talk to your employer), and you don't even have to mention that you are pregnant, that doesn't even factor into it as far as your employer is concerned.

If you have ever been vaccinated, then you are immune. You can also get a blood test to check for antibodies to Hep A, since there's always a chance you've had a natural infection in the past and are now immune.

(I work in Viral Hepatitis for the state health department so I feel pretty confident answering this question!

Good luck!

[blueyezz4]

Thanks everyone!!! I feel much better now. I know when I first started working in healthcare I had to get a series of shots for Hepatitis i think. So hopefully I've already been vacinated. Thanks again for all the feedback!!!!