Against Hepatitis A, #vaccinAti
PrEV – Program for the prevention of viral hepatitis
There is a safe and effective vaccine for hepatitis A, which provides lifelong immunity.
Get vaccinated, it protects you for life!
Book your free vaccination appointment or ask for information at:
Gay Help Line 800 713 713
Rome_INMI Spallanzani
Things. Hepatitis A is an inflammation of the liver caused by a virus (HAV). HAV is not the only virus capable of causing hepatitis. Other viruses that cause acute and chronic viral hepatitis include hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV).
How it is transmitted. The hepatitis A virus enters the body through ingestion, reproduces in the liver, where it causes disease, and is finally eliminated in the feces. You can contract hepatitis A by ingesting contaminated water or food, or if your oral mucosa comes into contact with infected fecal material, even if it isn't visible to the naked eye. Therefore, some sexual practices such as rimming or fingering may be at risk of infection.
How it looks. After an incubation period ranging from 15 to 50 days, the disease may begin, manifesting as yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), dark urine, pale stools, and severe fatigue. Laboratory tests reveal liver damage (high levels of bilirubin and transaminases in the blood). In some cases, the yellowing of the skin may not be present. The disease can last from 1 to 2 weeks (rarely, a few months). Fortunately, there are no chronic forms of hepatitis A. However, in very rare cases, the disease can be fatal, so it is always important to consult a doctor if you suspect you have contracted the infection.
How do I behave with my partner? The greatest risk of transmission occurs in the 15 days before the onset of symptoms. After diagnosis, it is important to practice safe sex, especially avoiding oral and anal sex. We encourage you to notify any partners with whom you have had sex at risk for hepatitis A in the last two months, so they can be checked by a doctor.
How to prevent it. The simplest rule for preventing this hepatitis is to wash your hands thoroughly after using the restroom! It's also good practice to wash your hands after touching the anus or anal area and/or to wash objects used for sexual pleasure before sharing them, or better yet, not sharing them at all.
How to treat it. There is no specific antiviral therapy for hepatitis A. If you believe you may have contracted the infection, abstain from alcohol immediately and contact a doctor for necessary tests and appropriate treatment.
Get vaccinated! There is an effective and safe vaccine that prevents infection in non-immune individuals. Vaccination involves the administration (by injection) of two doses of the vaccine at least six months apart. Protection lasts a lifetime.