Does improvement in living conditions decrease the chances of infection with hepatitis A virus?
Yes, risk of acquiring hepatitis A virus is closely tied to poor standards of living. Poor standards of hygiene and sanitation favor the spread of the virus. Chances of early childhood exposure are high in this setting. In contrast, an improvement in standards of hygiene and sanitation leads to a decline in levels of circulating virus. As a result, risk of early exposure is lesser among those living in an improved socio-group, economic environment. In this group, contamination is more likely among young children, adolescents and adults. Who is at risk? Any non immune person exposed to the virus can develop hepatitis A. This includes children attending daycare centres, schools, etc. and individuals from upper socio-economic group who are unlikely to have been exposed to the virus. Travelers to highly endemic areas, food handlers, healthcare workers, school or daycare employees and contacts of infected persons are also at risk. Is hepatitis A different from hepatitis B? Hepatitis A and B
