Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver.  It is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV) and is most commonly spread through contaminated food or water.  While the infection is uncommon in the UK, it remains widespread in many parts of the world and is a recognised risk for travellers visiting regions where sanitation and hygiene standards may be lower.

In most people, hepatitis A causes a short-term illness, but it can still be severe and lead to weeks or even months of fatigue and recovery.  Vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself if you are travelling to areas where hepatitis A is common.

 

How Hepatitis A Spreads

Hepatitis A is highly contagious and is usually transmitted through the faecal-oral route.  This occurs when tiny amounts of infected faecal matter enter the body, typically through contaminated food, water, or close personal contact with an infected individual.

Common ways hepatitis A can spread include:

• Drinking contaminated or untreated water
• Eating food prepared by someone who is infected
• Consuming raw or undercooked shellfish from contaminated waters
• Close contact with an infected person
• Poor hand hygiene in areas with limited sanitation

 

Travellers may be at higher risk in regions where clean water supplies and sanitation infrastructure are limited.  Even travellers staying in standard accommodation can be exposed through contaminated food or beverages.

 

Symptoms of Hepatitis A

The symptoms of hepatitis A can vary from mild to severe and usually appear around two to six weeks after exposure to the virus.  In young children, the infection may cause few or no noticeable symptoms.  Adults are more likely to experience a recognisable illness.

Common symptoms include:

• Fatigue and general weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal discomfort or pain
• Fever
• Diarrhoea
• Dark urine

 

A characteristic symptom of hepatitis A is jaundice, which causes yellowing of the skin and eyes.  This often appears about a week after the initial symptoms begin.

Most people recover fully, but the illness can cause significant disruption to daily life, and recovery may take several weeks or months.  Once someone has had hepatitis A, they usually develop lifelong immunity.

 

The Hepatitis A Vaccine

Vaccination is the most reliable way to protect against hepatitis A, particularly for travellers visiting countries where the virus is more common.  The vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies that recognise and fight the virus if exposure occurs.

The hepatitis A vaccine is given as an injection in the upper arm.  The vaccination course usually involves:

• One initial dose to provide protection before travel
• A booster dose given 6 to 12 months later for long-term protection

 

After completing the full course, protection can last for at least 25 years and possibly for life.

Combined vaccines are also available that protect against both hepatitis A and hepatitis B, which may be recommended depending on your travel plans and risk factors.

 

Who Should Consider the Vaccine?

The hepatitis A vaccine may be recommended for:

• Travellers visiting regions with higher infection rates
• People staying with local communities while abroad
• Frequent or long-term travellers to affected regions
• Individuals with existing liver conditions
• People whose work may expose them to the virus

 

A travel health consultation can help determine whether the hepatitis A vaccine is appropriate based on your destination, length of stay and planned activities.

 

Possible Side Effects

The hepatitis A vaccine is considered safe and is generally well tolerated.  Most side effects are mild and short lived.

Possible side effects include:

• Soreness or redness at the injection site
• Headache
• Mild fever
• Tiredness

 

These symptoms typically resolve within a few days.  Serious reactions are extremely rare.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver.  It is caused by the hepatitis A virus and is usually spread through contaminated food or water or through close contact with someone who is infected.

How do you catch hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is commonly transmitted through the faecal-oral route.  This can happen when someone consumes contaminated food or water, eats food prepared by an infected person, or has close contact with someone carrying the virus.

What are the symptoms of hepatitis A?

Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain and diarrhoea.  Some people also develop jaundice, which causes yellowing of the skin and eyes.  In many cases, symptoms appear between two and six weeks after exposure.

Who should get the hepatitis A vaccine?

The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for travellers visiting regions where hepatitis A is more common.  It may also be advised for people with liver disease, those staying with local communities abroad, or individuals whose work may expose them to the virus.

How long does the hepatitis A vaccine last?

After completing the full vaccination course, protection against hepatitis A can last for at least 25 years and may provide lifelong immunity.

Are there side effects from the hepatitis A vaccine?

The hepatitis A vaccine is generally well tolerated.  Some people may experience mild side effects such as soreness at the injection site, headache, mild fever or tiredness, which usually resolve within a few days.

 

Protect Your Health When Travelling

If you are planning to travel to a destination where hepatitis A is more common, vaccination can significantly reduce your risk of infection.  Alongside good food and water hygiene practices, the hepatitis A vaccine provides reliable protection for travellers.

Book a travel health consultation today to discuss your destination and ensure you are fully protected before your trip.