In its many forms, hepatitis poses a serious threat to health. What all forms have in common is that they cause inflammation of the liver. In the long term, the most common viral forms – hepatitis B and C – can cause serious health problems such as liver cancer, cirrhosis and liver failure resulting in death. In the short term, hepatitis A often manifests as a foodborne illness accompanied by vomiting, fever, and diarrhea.
Every year on 28. July is World Hepatitis Day, coinciding with the start of the vacation season for many people in the WHO European Region, when they take a much-needed break from work and daily routines. Although hepatitis is a year-round threat, certain summer vacation activities pose a particular risk of infection. Fortunately, there are ways to protect against hepatitis infection, both by vaccination and by taking steps to limit the risk of infection.
avoid hepatitis A by careful handling of food and drinks
Many people know that infection with hepatitis A is associated with poor sanitation or unsafe drinking water. Few realize, however, that even touching a piece of fruit at the market can leave hepatitis A pathogens on the hands, where they are just waiting to enter the body through the mouth. It's always important to wash your hands frequently with soap and water. But when traveling to parts of the world where outbreaks of hepatitis A are common, it is even more important to.