Hepatitis A

[TTCH785]

Hello,

 

Edited by TTCH785 - 5/16/11 at 4:28am

[TTCH785]

Bump

[2boyzmama]

Yeah, I definitely wouldn't rush out to vaccinate the family against it. Testing her immediately and then doing a follow up test is a good idea. It's a pretty mild disease anyway, from Dr Sears webpage:

This virus causes a severe intestinal “flu” and mild liver damage in adults. It is very mild in young children, however. It is fairly common, but virtually never fatal.

I think if she were to test positive, I'd just focus on being a bit more cautious in the sharing of utensils, food, drink, etc, and also keeping up on cleaning the bathrooms frequently (especially once she's potty trained).

I don't remember...is this one that once you have it you are always positive? Or can you "get over" it? Hm, I'll have to look that up again!

Congratulations on your new daughter!!!!!

[2boyzmama]

From Wikipedia:

"Hepatitis A infection causes no clinical signs and symptoms in over 90% of these children and since the infection confers lifelong immunity, the disease is of no special significance to the indigenous population. In Europe, the United States and other industrialized countries, on the other hand, the infection is contracted primarily by susceptible young adults, most of whom are infected with the virus during trips to countries with a high incidence of the disease.[3]

Hepatitis A does not have a chronic stage and does not cause permanent liver damage. Following infection, the immune system makes antibodies against HAV that confer immunity against future infection."

So you know, it might not be that bad a thing if the rest of your family were to contract it. Extremely mild, no lasting effects, and lifelong immunity.

[13Sandals]

This virus causes a severe intestinal “flu” and mild liver damage in adults

I don't understand why dr sears' website puts it like this. It makes it sound as if mild liver damage is routine and permanent. this is misleading.

even according to the CDC website:

Almost all people who get hepatitis A recover completely and do not have any lasting liver damage, although they may feel sick for months.