Hepatitis A infections were earlier not witnessed in high numbers in the US, but recent caseloads have witnessed a spike. The highly contagious infection that afflicts the liver reportedly results in more than sixty percent of the infected requiring hospitalization. Currently, the total number of estimated cases in the US hover around forty-two thousand patients. Vaccination is presently the best method of controlling outbreaks of the contagious infections. The single dose antigen vaccine is impressive, but comes with the possibility of adverse effects that are common to all medications and vaccines. Let’s understand all about the side effects of hep a vaccine and measures that will help to pre-empt or mitigate the undesirable outcomes.
What is hepatitis and how does it spread?
The infection caused by the hepatitis A virus, though contagious in nature, does not typically result in fatalities. Reportedly, documented deaths attributed to the infection is 383 out of the total 42000 infections. Symptoms may last anywhere between weeks to months depending on the intensity of the infection. The infection causes symptoms that may be either mild in nature or moderate in nature. The infection is spread through either of the following :
- Food that is contaminated with the virus
- Through the feces of infected patients
- Through sexual intercourse, men in same gender sexual relationships are at higher risk
- Through shared needles that have been used by infected patients
- Physical contact with patients (caregivers are at higher risk of contracting the infection this way)
What are the typical symptoms that will help identify the infection?
The infection comes with certain easily discernible symptoms that will help identify the condition, along with necessary tests. For instance, healthy individuals who suddenly feel tired for no particular reason, especially after having come in contact any of the above situations need to be wary. Other symptoms include a sudden loss of appetite, that may come across as abnormal among individuals with healthy dietary intake. The intake is likely to turn sluggish with a clear and marked disinterest in food. The color of the skin may change in an infected person; this could be a distinct yellowish appearance on the skin.
Other symptoms that could possibly indicate the infection include pain in the stomach and in certain instances, patients may experience nausea. Most of the symptoms in most cases may resolve in a period of around two months, wit the right kind of care. As mentioned earlier more than half of the infected patients may require hospitalization.
What vaccines are available to combat the infection?
Before we look at the side effects of hep a vaccine here’s a look at the vaccines presently available to fight the infection. Approved vaccines in the US are presently three, and have been effectively used to control outbreak of infections in 36 different states that have been witnessing a spike in infections for the last five years. The three vaccines that have been approved include two single antigen vaccines and one combination vaccine. Ideally, vaccines are administered in two doses 6 months apart to grant protection from infections.
As outlined above, individuals who are at high risk of contracting the infection from the possible ways that cause the spread of the infection need vaccination on priority. Vaccination in adequate numbers will help prevent the spread of the infection and help bring down the numbers. To break the chain, it is necessary that certain categories of individuals seek vaccination at the earliest. Categories include the homeless, men with different sexual orientation, and caregivers.
Additionally, it is necessary to protect sanitation workers from possible risk of infections. High risk categories also include drug addicts and travelers from destinations and locations that have hepatitis A infections. Apart from proper screening at point of entry, vaccination is essential to fight the spread. Patients with chronic liver conditions belong to the category of high-risk individuals and require vaccination. This also applies to patients with cirrhosis of the liver, hepatitis B or C.
What are the typical side effects of hep a vaccine?
Undesirable outcomes are common to all medications and vaccines, with symptoms either mild or serious in nature. Mild effects are relatively common in occurrence and may not require specific medical treatment. Most mild symptoms are known to resolve quickly, while serious effects may require attention depending on the condition. Effects that are serious in nature occur rarely and affect only a small section of users.
Mild effects that are most commonly reported include swelling at the site of administration of the injection. This could also be discernible with a red tint to the skin at the site of administration of the injection. Patients may also experience warmth on the skin and this lasts for a very short time. Patients may lose appetite in the period immediately after receiving the shot. Fever may also be experienced by recipients of the vaccine, apart from headache and nausea. These effects are likely to have some kind of effect on normal actions.
Effects that are serious in nature
Adverse outcomes also include serious effects that are rare in occurrence. While the possibility of serious side effects exists, the actual effects may impact people differently. Some may require urgent treatment, while some may require treatment that is not emergency in nature. One of the possible effects that could disrupt routines is the loss of voice among recipients of the vaccine. Nasal congestion is another serious outcome that can affect individuals. Other effects include running nose, frequent sneezing, and possible breathing related complications. This may not be very serious in nature but may require attention. The throat may turn sore as a result of the vaccination and the ears may appear red.
Individuals are known to experience pain in the body accompanied by swelling in the area surrounding the eyes. Swelling is also possible on the face, and the insides of the nostrils. These are not frequently occurring side effects. A feeling of discomfort or tightness in the chest are a possible symptom that may be experienced while wheezing is another adverse effect associated with the vaccine. The vaccinated individual may also find it difficult to swallow liquid or food. Some form of inflammation in the neck and the lymph glands is another possibility. This may sometimes be witnessed in the area surrounding the groin or in the armpit. A unique type of congestion may also be experienced, either in the ears or int eh chest that may be coupled with cough.
How to be protected from side effects of vaccination
Many myths are spread digitally about the vaccination. It is necessary to separate fact from fiction and take the right precautions. For instance, there are misconceptions that individuals with a cold are not to take the vaccine.; this is incorrect. It is safe to take the vaccine even if the individual has common cold. However, if the common cold is severe or persistent then it is advisable to take adequate rest and take the vaccine. Individuals are also advised to wait till other illnesses subside before taking he shot.
Persons with allergic reactions to ingredients in the vaccine or those who have had allergies in the past on taking the shot, are to avoid the vaccine. There is the possibility of individuals with a history of allergies to Neomycin and yeast who may end up experiencing allergies.
What kind of side effects make it necessary for a vaccinated person to seek medical intervention?
Specific conditions mandate the need for medical intervention, while others may not require any kind of intervention. It is necessary to correctly observe the symptoms and take suitable actions. Allergies can turn serious quickly and in certain instances, allergies can prove to be fatal. It is necessary to immediately seek attention on experiencing or observing symptoms of allergic reactions. Typical allergies that one needs to be wary of includes hives, and or an abrupt change in heart rate and pattern. Any difficulty in breathing is to be treated as a possibly serious condition and suitable remedies need to be initiated. Indications of allergies also include inflammation in the face or throat.
Relatively trivial symptoms of side effects include overall weakness and a dizzy feeling. These conditions may not require immediate or urgent treatment, nevertheless, there is a need for taking remedial measures.
All about the vaccines
The vaccine referred below is regarded as relatively safe as the vaccine does not have a live virus. Vaccination helps to break the chain of infections and prevent contagion outbreaks. The vaccines are given intramuscularly and as mentioned earlier are either single antigen or combination vaccines. Presently, three different vaccines are approved – Havrix, Vaqta (belonging to the category of single antigen vaccines) and Twinrix (belonging to the category of combination vaccines). The former is regarded as suitable for all, including children above one year and offers long term protection. The latter is suitable for individuals above 18 years and is given as three doses within six months. This vaccine is ideal for both hepatitis A and hepatitis B prevention.
Hepatitis A vaccines will offer protection only from this strain of infections and will not protect other forms of hepatitis infections. It is important to fully assess the risks of infections from other forms of the infection, especially in the location. One of the highlights of this virus is the absence of a live virus in the vaccine. This makes it fully safe for most categories including persons with compromised immune systems. The vaccine is also safe for women who are planning childbirth or who are pregnant.
Are hepatitis A vaccines necessary or overhyped?
Hepatitis A infections can turn serious in nature and as mentioned earlier results in hospitalization in a significant percentage of affected patients. It is therefore prudent to choose the shots for protection. The infection may have different impact on people and it is virtually impossible to predict who is safe or who will be affected with greater intensity. It is therefore necessary to take full precautions from a relatively safe and simple form of vaccination. It is also important to note that most infections may last a couple of weeks, but prolonged complications are also a possibility, and could last for six months. This could affect professional and social responsibilities greatly, and it is best to be vaccinated and remain protected from the infection.