Ask the Doctor
Volusia Parent|November 2019
Introducing our new monthly feature, Ask the Doctor. Our healthcare partners will be answering your questions.
Ask the Doctor

What is the purpose, benefits and risk of the Hepatitis A Vaccine? Why has this become highly suggested?

Hepatitis A is a serious liver disease, caused by the Hepatitis A Virus (HAV). HAV is spread person to person, through contact with stool of those who are infected, including if the infected person does not wash his or her hands properly. Hepatitis A can also be transmitted through contaminated food or water. Symptoms of hepatitis A include nausea, vomiting, fever, severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin). Hepatitis A can cause liver failure and even death, but this is more common in adults over 50 years of age.

Although the vaccine has been available for over twenty years, a recent outbreak of Hepatitis A in Florida has increased the attention to the disease and interest in the immunization. On August 1, 2019, the Florida Surgeon General issued a Public Health Emergency in response to the outbreak. There have been 2,540 cases of hepatitis A in Florida since January 1 of this year. There are over 200 reported cases in Volusia County, which is the third highest number of cases in the state of Florida. Flagler County Health Department has reported eight cases so far this year.

Since the Hepatitis A Vaccine became available in 1995, the rates of Hepatitis A infection have decreased by 95%. The vaccine is an inactivated, or killed, vaccine; there are no live or active components of the vaccine.

This story is from the November 2019 edition of Volusia Parent.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the November 2019 edition of Volusia Parent.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM VOLUSIA PARENTView All
Why Family Dinners Matter: The Science Of Eating Together
Volusia Parent

Why Family Dinners Matter: The Science Of Eating Together

Most families find it difficult to get everyone together at the dinner table on a regular basis.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 2020
Tips For Helping Kids Fall & Stay — Asleep
Volusia Parent

Tips For Helping Kids Fall & Stay — Asleep

Oddly, most of our understanding of sleep comes not from knowing what happens when we sleep but from noticing what happens when we don’t.

time-read
4 mins  |
January 2020
Do's & Don'ts Of Giving Your Kids An Allowance
Volusia Parent

Do's & Don'ts Of Giving Your Kids An Allowance

You can teach your kids important money management skills by giving them a regular allowance.

time-read
4 mins  |
January 2020
Legally Speaking: Wills
Volusia Parent

Legally Speaking: Wills

From the Florida Bar Pamphlet: Do You Have a Will?

time-read
4 mins  |
January 2020
Calling for a Little Peace and Quiet
Volusia Parent

Calling for a Little Peace and Quiet

How time spent alone can foster creativity and independence among children.

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2019
5 Things You Can Start Doing Today To Raise A Motivated Learner
Volusia Parent

5 Things You Can Start Doing Today To Raise A Motivated Learner

“Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” – Henry Ford

time-read
5 mins  |
December 2019
Happy Family, Happy Life
Volusia Parent

Happy Family, Happy Life

Learn eight simple secrets of happy families

time-read
5 mins  |
December 2019
A Dream Is A Wish Their Hearts Make: 25 Adventures In Giving This Holiday Season
Volusia Parent

A Dream Is A Wish Their Hearts Make: 25 Adventures In Giving This Holiday Season

Here come the holidays and with them, the spirit of giving. But who says you have to give the same way every year? If you have a holiday giving tradition and you love it and want to stick with it, that’s great. But maybe, like my family, you enjoy shaking things up each year as you explore new ways to enrich other people’s lives.

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2019
No More Have-To Holidays!
Volusia Parent

No More Have-To Holidays!

How To Keep Your Family Happy This Holiday Season

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2019
Ask the Doctor
Volusia Parent

Ask the Doctor

Introducing our new monthly feature, Ask the Doctor. Our healthcare partners will be answering your questions.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2019