A patient exposed to Hepatitis A at a restaurant one week ago: what education is important?

• A. Inform to obtain vaccine immediately
• B. Inform to receive immune globulin
• C. Reassure the chance of acquiring the virus is very low
• D. Inform to notify the physician when signs and symptoms start to appear

Answer: (B)

Post-exposure prophylaxis after a Hepatitis A exposure relies on giving immediate passive immunity. Because the exposure occurred about a week ago, providing immune globulin is the best approach to prevent infection. Immune globulin delivers ready-made antibodies right away, offering protection within hours to days, which is crucial in the early window after exposure. Vaccination, while important for longer-term protection, takes time for the body to develop its own antibodies and may not prevent infection from this recent exposure. Therefore the education should emphasize obtaining immune globulin promptly rather than waiting for symptoms or relying on vaccination alone. Reassuring the risk is low or waiting to contact a physician only when symptoms appear would delay effective protection.