Hepatitis A is one of the vaccinations you will likely be offered at your travel health clinic in Twyford if you are travelling to countries in South Asia, Sub-Saharan and North Africa, the Middle East, Central and South America, as well as some countries in the Far East.
What is hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is an illness that is caused by a virus that is spread through poo. If you contract the virus, it causes symptoms such as:
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches
- Other flu-like symptoms such as muscle pain
- Fatigue
- Jaudice
- Diarrhea or constipation.
As it’s a virus, there isn’t much that can be done to treat it. In most cases, hepatitis A will resolve itself within three to six months. Most people feel ill for three to four weeks, although it can last longer.
One of the signs of hepatitis A is jaundice, which is noticeable in 70 to 80 per cent of adults who contract the disease. Jaundice makes the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow. It occurs because your liver is struggling to process bile.
How do you contract hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is most frequently contracted by consuming food or drink that is contaminated with human faeces. This is why it is most commonly found in countries with poor sanitary conditions.
Food and drink can come into contact with the hepatitis A virus in various ways. It could be that food has been washed with unclean water, or that someone who handled your food is infected with the virus.
Uncooked or under-cooked filter feeders, such as shellfish like oysters and scallops, can also become contaminated if they are collected from areas where sewage is present in the water. Similarly, uncooked or under-cooked meat can also present a risk of infection for hepatitis A.
How can you protect yourself from hepatitis A?
Preventative measures include being vaccinated against the virus before you travel, as well as by following good personal hygiene routines while you’re travelling.
It’s also important to avoid eating foods – like salads – that may be washed in unclean water and to ensure you only drink bottled water in areas where hepatitis A is prevalent.
How long does a hepatitis A vaccine last?
The hepatitis A vaccine is often given as a combined vaccine for typhoid. Whether you are just having the hepatitis A vaccine, or the combined version, it will typically be given over two doses. The second dose is normally administered six to 12 months after the first.
Once you’ve had the second dose of the vaccine, you’ll usually be protected for up to 25 years from the illness.
How far in advance of travel do I need a hepatitis A vaccine?
Because of how long you need to allow between vaccinations, it is advisable to enquire about your hepatitis A vaccination as early as possible before you travel.
However, you will be protected following just one dose of the vaccine for approximately six months. This means you could have the hepatitis A vaccine ahead of a trip and then book your booster for six to 12 months later to ensure you have longer-lasting protection.
Is hepatitis A different from hepatitis B and C?
Yes. While all three forms of hepatitis are liver infections, they vary in terms of how they are contracted and what protection is available.
For instance, hepatitis B and C are only contracted through coming into contact with the blood or bodily fluids of someone who has the virus.
This means these forms of the virus are most commonly passed on through sex, sharing injectable drug equipment or receiving a tattoo or piercing with equipment that hasn’t been properly sterilised.
It is also possible to contract hepatitis B or C from someone infected with the virus if you share personal items, such as a toothbrush or razor, that may come into contact with their bodily fluids.
Of the three forms of hepatitis, hepatitis C is the most likely to develop into a chronic condition. This happens in approximately 50 per cent of cases.
However, hepatitis C is also the only form of the disease for which antiviral medication is available. The antiviral treatment is effective in 90 per cent of cases. Leaving hepatitis C untreated for years can lead to cirrhosis of the liver or even liver cancer.
Can you also get a hepatitis B and C vaccine?
You can be vaccinated against hepatitis B, but there is no vaccine for hepatitis C. The hepatitis B vaccine is usually offered to adults who are at a higher risk of contracting the illness, such as healthcare or aid workers.
Frequently Asked Questions
A complete Hepatitis A vaccination course consists of an initial dose followed by a booster dose six to twelve months later. Once both doses have been received, protection is expected to last for at least 25 years and is generally considered lifelong for most travellers.
The inactivated Hepatitis A vaccine is considered safe during pregnancy when protection is needed. The benefits of preventing Hepatitis A infection generally outweigh any theoretical risks. Discuss your travel plans with your pharmacist or healthcare professional.
Yes. A combined Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccine is available and is commonly recommended for travellers visiting destinations where both diseases are a risk. Receiving a combined vaccine can be more convenient than having separate injections.