Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver, and is transmitted through contaminated food and water or by direct contact with an infectious person.

Hepatitis A is a highly infectious virus that can cause inflammation of the liver. The virus is usually transmitted through food or water contaminated by human faeces or by direct contact with an infectious person. Hepatitis A is rare in the UK with most cases occurring in travellers who have recently visited countries where the disease is common.

Areas with high levels of infection include low-income countries that may have relatively poor sanitary conditions and hygiene practices. These areas include: the Indian subcontinent, Sub- Saharan and North Africa, parts of the Far East, South and Central America, and the Middle East.

Certain travellers are at increased risk of acquiring hepatitis A, including:

-those who are staying with or visiting the local population

-frequent and/or long-stay travellers to areas where sanitation and food hygiene are likely to be poor

-those with existing medical conditions such as liver disease or haemophilia

-men who have sex with men

-people who inject drugs

-those who may be exposed to the virus through their work

-those going to areas of hepatitis A outbreaks who have limited access to safe water and medical care

-Symptoms are often mild or absent in young children, but the disease becomes more serious with advancing age. Recovery can vary from weeks to months. Following hepatitis A illness, immunity is lifelong. Possible symptoms include weakness, loss of appetite,tiredness, headache, diarrhoea, fever, nausea and vomiting and dehydration. Jaundice (yellowing of the skin) usually occurs approximately a week later.

Read for further information on Hep A.

Prevention

As the most common mode of infection in travellers is consumption of contaminated food or water. The risk of acquiring hepatitis A can be reduced by ensuring good personal hygiene and following advice on the prevention of food and water-borne diseases.

Hepatitis A vaccine

Several effective inactivated hepatitis A vaccines are available for travellers intending to visit areas where hepatitis A is common. Some of these vaccines are combined with either hepatitis B or typhoid.

Length of protection

The duration of protection from a completed course of hepatitis A vaccine can be expected to be at least 25 years and probably indefinite. However, Public Health England recommend that until further evidence is available on persistence of protective immunity, a booster dose at 25 years is indicated for those at ongoing risk of hepatitis A. Specific advice should be sought for individuals with altered immune responses, an earlier booster may be recommended.

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Frequently Asked Questions

 

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by HAV (the Hepatitis A Virus).

A person can catch Hepatitis A if they come into contact with an infected person, particularly during sexual activity.

The Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for people who are planning to travel to the below areas:

– South and Central America
– Asia
– The Middle East
– Africa

The symptoms of Hepatitis A include:

– Joint and muscle pain
– Headache
– Sore throat
– Cough
– Constipation
– Diarrhoea
– Fever
– Tiredness

The Hepatitis A vaccine can last for up to 20 years. The dosage amount will differ according to the age of the person being vaccinated; however, 2 or 3 doses is usually sufficient.

The Travel Health Clinic offers the Hepatitis A vaccine. Additionally, we offer a combined Hepatitis A and B vaccine.