New Delhi: The monsoon season brings welcome relief from the summer heat, but it also increases the risk of several waterborne diseases due to water contamination, poor sanitation and flooding. Among these seasonal illnesses is Hepatitis A, a viral infection that affects the liver and spreads mainly through contaminated food and drinking water.
Health experts say maintaining good hygiene, consuming safe food and water, and recognising the early symptoms of Hepatitis A can significantly reduce the risk of infection during the rainy season.
What is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV). The virus is primarily transmitted through the faecal-oral route, meaning people become infected after consuming food or water contaminated with infected faecal matter.
In some cases, the infection can also spread through close personal contact with an infected individual.
Unlike Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, Hepatitis A does not usually lead to chronic liver disease. Most people recover completely within a few weeks or months, although the illness can temporarily disrupt daily life due to fatigue and other symptoms.
Common symptoms to watch for
Symptoms of Hepatitis A generally develop two to six weeks after exposure to the virus.
While young children may not always show noticeable symptoms, adults commonly experience:
- Fever
- Fatigue and weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain or discomfort in the upper right side of the abdomen
- Dark-coloured urine
- Pale or clay-coloured stools
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Itching in some cases
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical advice, particularly if jaundice develops.
Why monsoon increases the risk
Heavy rainfall often leads to waterlogging and overflowing drains, increasing the likelihood of sewage contaminating drinking water sources.
Flooding and poor drainage can allow harmful microorganisms, including the Hepatitis A virus, to spread more easily.
Street food prepared under unhygienic conditions and food exposed to contaminated water also pose a higher risk during the monsoon.
As a result, health experts advise extra caution when consuming food and water outside the home during the rainy season.
How to prevent Hepatitis A
Doctors recommend following simple hygiene and food safety practices to minimise the risk of infection.
These include drinking only boiled, filtered or bottled water from reliable sources and washing hands thoroughly with soap and water before meals and after using the toilet.
People should eat freshly prepared food, avoid uncovered or stale food, and wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption.
Experts also advise avoiding raw or undercooked seafood and exercising caution while eating street food, especially during periods of heavy rainfall.
Maintaining clean surroundings and proper sanitation also helps reduce the spread of waterborne diseases.
Vaccination against Hepatitis A may be recommended for certain individuals after consulting a healthcare provider.
When to seek medical attention
Most Hepatitis A infections resolve with adequate rest, hydration and nutritious food.
However, immediate medical attention is necessary if symptoms become severe, persistent vomiting prevents adequate fluid intake, jaundice worsens or signs of dehydration develop.
Older adults, individuals with pre-existing liver disease and those with weakened immune systems may require closer medical monitoring because they are at greater risk of complications.
Early precautions can reduce the risk
The monsoon season creates favourable conditions for the spread of waterborne infections, making awareness and preventive measures especially important.
By ensuring safe drinking water, practising good personal hygiene and seeking timely medical care when symptoms appear, people can significantly reduce their risk of Hepatitis A and other seasonal infections.
Although most patients recover completely, early diagnosis and appropriate care remain essential to prevent complications and support a quicker recovery.
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