About Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HA V), which is a hearty non-enveloped RNA virus. HAV is transmitted through the fecal-oral route. This means it is found in the stool (feces) of an infected person and is in contrast to Hepatitis B and C viruses that are typically spread from person to person through blood and bodily fluids. Therefore, HAV is usually transmitted when a person touches objects or eats food that someone with Hepatitis A infection handled, or by having sex with someone who has a Hepatitis A infection. It can also be spread by drinking water contaminated with HAV.
5-Step Handwashing Process
- Wet your hands with clean, running warm water and apply soap.
- Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
- Rinse your hands well under clean, running warm water.
- Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
Additionally, the CDC reports that the Hepatitis A virus can live outside of the body for months in the right environmental conditions. Properly cleaning with products designed to kill HAV is vital to stopping the spread of the disease. KSS offers Clorox Professional products that are proven to kill HAV when used properly. Click here to read a letter from Clorox Healthcare and see a full listing of approved products.