Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the virus HAV (Hepatitis A Virus). It is typically contracted by eating undercooked food, especially seafood, or drinking unclean water. It is also transmitted through poor hygiene practices such as improper hand washing. When Hepatitis A presents symptoms they are comparable to the flu including fatigue, fever, and diarrhea. The virus usually runs its course through the body in about a month or two. Once a person has contracted HAV and it has run its course, they become immune to the virus. Prevention is the best method to combating Hepatitis A because there are currently no drug treatments available to cure the disease.
Instructions
1. Hand washing is crucial to preventing the spread of the virus. Always wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least sixty seconds before eating. Be sure to keep your fingernails clean as well.
2. Only eat foods that have been properly cooked to the correct temperatures. Carefully examine your food before eating when dining out to ensure it has been fully cooked
3. Avoid drinking after another person or sharing eating utensils.
4. If you contract the virus, one natural remedy for HAV is to take a supplemental vitamin specifically formulated to treat Hepatitis A. The supplement should include milk thistle to be most effective. You can purchase these supplements at your local nutritional supplement store as well as online.
5. Other treatments include bed rest, drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding alcohol and other liver damaging drugs (such as acetaminophene) that could slow down your recovery time.
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