Hepatitis A Vaccination
A very common water-borne infection, this illness can, at best, ruin a holiday and at worst lead to hospitalisation.
What is Hepatitis A?
What is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver. In most people, Hepatitis A infection is mild, with symptoms typically going away within two months. But some people may have symptoms for six months or more, and severity can vary, especially with increasing age. Children are often asymptomatic but adults commonly suffer with jaundice in 70-80% of cases, as well as fatigue, loss of appetite and nausea. The virus is usually passed through unsanitary water and food or by direct contact with an infected person.
Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver. In most people, Hepatitis A infection is mild, with symptoms typically going away within two months. But some people may have symptoms for six months or more, and severity can vary, especially with increasing age. Children are often asymptomatic but adults commonly suffer with jaundice in 70-80% of cases, as well as fatigue, loss of appetite and nausea. The virus is usually passed through unsanitary water and food or by direct contact with an infected person.
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Who is at risk of Hepatitis A?
Who is at risk of Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a particular risk for :
- Long stay travellers or those who may stay with the local population
- Travellers where sanitation and food hygiene may be poor
- Men who have sex with men
- People who inject drugs
- Aid and medical workers who may come into contact with an outbreak of Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a particular risk for :
- Long stay travellers or those who may stay with the local population
- Travellers where sanitation and food hygiene may be poor
- Men who have sex with men
- People who inject drugs
- Aid and medical workers who may come into contact with an outbreak of Hepatitis A
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How is Hepatitis A transmitted?
Hepatitis A is a virus that spreads through the fecal-oral route, meaning it's transmitted when an uninfected person ingests food or water contaminated with the feces of an infected person.
Hepatitis A is also spread by:
Close physical contact Having oral or anal sex with an infected person, or sharing needles for drug use
- Touching contaminated surfaces Touching a contaminated surface and then putting your hands near or in your mouth
Where is hepatitis A found?
Hepatitis A is most commonly found in parts of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Central and South America
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Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Can I get travel vaccinations from my NHS GP?
How long before travel should I book my travel vaccination appointment?
Do you vaccinate children?
Can I get travel vaccinations from my NHS GP?
How long before travel should I book my travel vaccination appointment?
Do you vaccinate children?