Oinking in with Information about Hepatitis A!

 🐷 Hepatitis A is a virus that affects the liver. It can make children feel sick for several weeks with symptoms like fever, stomach pain, nausea, tiredness, and yellowing of the skin or eyes. Most people recover, but the illness can be unpleasant and very contagious.

 🐷 It spreads when the virus from stool gets on hands, food, water, or objects that others touch. This can happen easily during diaper changes or when hands are not washed properly.

 🐷 In the United States, there are usually a few thousand cases reported annually, but during outbreaks, that number can rise. For example, between 2016 and 2023, more than 44,000 cases were reported during a large multi-state outbreak.

🐷 While some children are asymptomatic, others may have fever, tiredness, belly pain, vomiting, or dark urine. Jaundice, or yellowing of the eyes and skin, can also appear. If you think your child has symptoms of a Hepatitis B infection, notify their pediatrician immediately. 

 🐷 The CDC recommends two doses:

• First Dose - 12 to 23 months

• Second Dose  - 6 months after the first

If your child did not get the vaccine during the above times, they can still receive it later.

 🐷 In healthy children, the liver usually heals over time. Despite that, the illness can be severe in older children or adults, especially those with liver conditions.

 🐷Although the Hepatitis A vaccine is a separate shot, doctors often give it alongside other vaccines during the same visit.  Your pediatrician will help schedule it as part of your child’s regular care.