What You Should Know About Living with Hepatitis A

My friend was recently diagnosed with Hepatitis A, and she shared how scared she was to learn about it from her doctor. She claims she did not know where she got it from but highly suspected that she got it from a street food stall when she was backpacking in another country. Here are the things we know about Hepatitis A:

What is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a viral infection in your liver that literally means “inflammation.” The signs and symptoms are yellow eyes and yellow skin (more popularly known as Jaundice), dark urine, nausea, fever, abdominal pain in your lower ribs, appetite loss, and diarrhea. The symptoms come out usually after 2 to 7 weeks of contracting the virus.

How is Hepatitis A contracted?

• When you eat food that has been contaminated with a virus from someone with Hepatitis A.
• When you drink or ingest any liquid (including ice) that is contaminated.
• When you come into close contact with someone bearing the virus.
• When you eat raw shellfish that has come by contaminated water.

Is Hepatitis A curable?

There are currently no treatment options available for those living with the virus. However, you can periodically visit your doctor to have it checked. Like all patients in pain, it is advised that you get plenty of rest, lessen alcohol intake or completely eliminate it, and eat healthy food that does not damage your liver.

What foods are good for the liver?

• Leafy Green Vegetables like spinach and lettuce
• Cruciferous Vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower
• Green tea
• Garlic
• Avocados
• Beets
• Carrots
• Apples
• Lemon
• Walnuts

Is there a way to be Immune from Hepatitis A?

If you want to be immune from the Hepatitis A virus, you should get immunization shots as soon as possible. Even your babies or children are not safe from the virus. It is best to get the whole family immunized to prevent any future illnesses. Drop by St. Mary Pharmacy and our professional, licensed staff can administer the shots for you.

If you’re looking for a Pharmacy in Palm Harbor, St. Mary Pharmacy can offer you convenient and cost-friendly pharmaceutical products and services right to your doorstep.

St. Mary Pharmacy also administers the following vaccines: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A and B Combination, Rubella Vaccine, Mumps Vaccine, HPV, Flu Vaccine, Tdap Vaccine, Measles Vaccine, Family Planning / Birth Control, Shingles, Td Boosters, Pneumococcal, Varicella Expand, Meningococcal, and even Pertussis Vaccine (Whooping Cough).

Prevention is always better than cure—make sure your family is safe from viral illnesses today and save on possible medical costs tomorrow! Contact us at 727-773-9000 or email us at st.marypharmacyrx@gmail.com.