Hepatitis Vaccines for Children and Adults
A disease such as hepatitis A is completely curable, after which the body develops immunity against the pathogenic virus. However, modern medicine offers ways to avoid such problems by building lasting immunity against the pathogen. This is achieved through vaccination of children and adults. Accordingly, the best way to avoid trouble is to get vaccinated.
How the disease progresses
An alternative name for hepatitis A is Botkin’s disease. The symptoms of the disease are similar to those seen in hepatitis C and B. These include:
- Headache;
- Nausea, stomach pain, vomiting;
- Dark urine, pale stools, jaundice.
Despite all this, the disease may manifest itself quite mildly; consequently, when a child’s liver cells, for example, are under attack by the harmful virus, parents may not even suspect that there is a serious problem. Therefore, the best way to prevent hepatitis A is vaccination. You can find a more detailed description of hepatitis A prevention methods on the Formed website.
A distinctive feature of the hepatitis virus is that its RNA is enclosed within a capsid—a protective shell. This pathogenic virus infects liver cells, but does not destroy them; instead, it uses them for its own replication. As a result, the organ no longer functions for the benefit of the body: once infected, all of its activity is directed toward the virus’s reproduction. As a result, the liver may fail, which can even lead to death.
How the virus is transmitted
The hepatitis A virus is transmitted from person to person via the fecal-oral route. Thus, pathogenic microorganisms can enter the body through unwashed hands, everyday objects, or through water and food consumed. An infected person is most contagious at the end of the virus’s incubation period.
It is known that after exposure to a temperature of 180 degrees Celsius, the virus can remain viable for up to an hour. Under favorable conditions, such as room temperature, the virus can remain active for several decades. It is not surprising that in countries with poor hygiene standards, many children die from hepatitis A every year.
Drug names
Russian medical professionals use several vaccines to immunize patients. One of them is “GEP-A-in-VAK.” This is an inactivated vaccine, which involves the intramuscular injection of a non-live virus. There are vaccines developed separately for children and adults: “Havrix-720” and “Havrix-1440.” The first drug is used to vaccinate children. Adults can also be vaccinated with “Vakta” and “Avaksim.”
As for combination vaccines, “Twinrix” is considered the most popular in Russia. This vaccine is used to develop lasting immunity against hepatitis A and B viruses. Vaccination against hepatitis and other diseases is permitted on the same day. The only exception in this case is the administration of the tuberculosis vaccine (BCG).
