With the news this week that a food service worker at Sonic in Somerset was diagnosed with Hepatitis A it reminds us that the liver viral infection is still very much prevalent in the Lake Cumberland area. Anyone who consumed food or drink at the Somerset Sonic July 3rd through July 22nd may consider a Hepatitis A vaccination. Vaccines are available through your local pharmacy, the Health Department and your health care provider.
Careful hand washing, including under the fingernails, with soap and water, along with vaccination or anyone at risk of infection, will prevent the spread of this disease. Hepatitis A can cause loss of appetite, nausea, tiredness, fever, stomach pain, brown colored urine, and light-colored stools. Yellowing of the skin or eyes may also appear. People can become ill up to 7 weeks after being exposed to the virus.
