Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a liver infection that is spread in the poo of an infected person. Most people who get it get better within a few months.

Hepatitis A is less common in the UK. Travel risk varies by destination and access to safe food, water and sanitation; ask the travel clinician about your itinerary.

Severity

Hepatitis A usually clears on its own within three to six months, although a small number of people develop serious liver problems. Children and some adults may have mild symptoms or no symptoms. Seek medical advice if you think you have hepatitis A.

Transmission of disease

• Faecal-oral route (ingesting contaminated food and water). This is where individuals who carry the virus in their faeces contaminate the food they are preparing and spread to others.
• Unhygienic injection drug use
• Person to person through close sexual or intimate contact with an infected person

Common Symptoms

• Fever
• Gastro-intestinal upset
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Jaundice

Vaccine Administration

Hepatitis A is given in 2 doses (6 months apart) and will give protection for 25 years if the complete course is given

Typically this vaccine offers a good level of antibody level appearing approx 2-4 weeks after vaccination of first dose.

Preventing Infection

Additional food/water precautions (eg avoiding food prepared in poor hygiene areas)

Consider using bottled water or using a water bottle with a water purification system

Vaccination of Hepatitis A

Side Effects post vaccine

Common side effects like many other vaccines include;

• Redness at site, irritation/swelling at site of the arm
• Raised temperature/fever
• Tiredness and fatigue

Ask your pharmacist about managing side effects. Seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, persistent or worrying.

For the wider appointment process and costs, visit our Westerhailes travel clinic guide. We also have separate information about hepatitis B vaccination and typhoid vaccination. A consultation is needed to discuss what is appropriate for you.

Read the NHS hepatitis A guide for symptoms, treatment and when to seek help.