Answer:

Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). This virus is primarily transmitted through the fecal-oral route. Infection occurs when a person ingests contaminated food or water, or touches surfaces or objects carrying the virus.

The primary route of transmission is fecal-oral, for example, by drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated food. While the hepatitis A virus can be present in saliva, the concentration is low, and direct transmission through saliva is less common. However, infection can still occur through close contact like kissing or sharing personal items contaminated with infected saliva, such as toothbrushes or oral irrigators.

Besides saliva, contaminated food and water, hepatitis A can also be transmitted through other means, such as close contact with an infected person (in a shared living environment) and sexual contact (including oral-anal contact). Sharing meals with an infected person (if hygiene practices are not followed), and sharing needles or equipment that has come into contact with the blood and bodily fluids of an infected person, also increase the risk.

Doctor Trung examines a patient. Illustrative photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

To prevent hepatitis A, you and your family should regularly wash your hands thoroughly with soap (before preparing or eating food, after using the toilet, or after touching contaminated surfaces), practice safe food handling, avoid raw or undercooked food, and use clean water for daily activities and food preparation. Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent hepatitis A infection. The hepatitis A vaccine helps the body develop immunity against HAV, reducing the risk of infection.

Associate Professor, Doctor Huynh Van Trung

Department of Gastroenterology - Hepatology, Biliary and Pancreatic Diseases

Tam Anh General Hospital, TP HCM