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Frequently
Asked Questions?
Can i avoid hepatitis A if I dont travel?
It
is possible to become infected with hepatitis
A virus without ever leaving the United States.
Approximately 45% of the 34,243 cases reported
in the United States from 1990-1992 occurred in
people with no identifiable risk factors. For
example, county-wide outbreaks have been occurring
in Northern California since 1993. In Shasta County
alone, more than 500 cases have occurred. Outbreaks
of hepatitis A in the United States have also
been associated with contaminated food, with infected
foodhandlers, and with day-care centers. For example,
in an outbreak in Memphis, Tennessee, more than
1,000 cases have been identified and authorities
believe the virus is being spread by young children.
Is vaccination safe?
Vaccines
against hepatitis A are generally well tolerated.
There may be pain, redness, tenderness, warmth,
and irritation at the site where you receive the
injection. Fever, abdominal pain, headache, fatigue,
and allergic reactions may also occur.
Serious reactions are rare, but may occur. You
should discuss potential side effects with your
doctor.
As with all vaccines, vaccination with either
IG or hepatitis A vaccine may not protect 100%
of all those who are vaccinated.
Should i vaccinated
against Hepatitis A?
Ask your doctor or travel medicine specialist
whether you or your family members should be vaccinated
against hepatitis A. If you plan to travel, ask
them about vaccination at least 2 weeks before
your departure. Be sure to discuss the benefits,
as well as the risks, of vaccination against this
disease.
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