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Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a virus which affects the liver. Occasionally it is severe enough to cause liver failure, with 2% of cases in adults being fatal. Children often have no symptoms.

Symptoms

Fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, stomach discomfort, the skin and the whites of the eyes become yellow.

How do you catch hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A infection usually occurs through eating or drinking food and water contaminated with human waste or sewage. It can also be spread from one person to another and by people with poor personal hygiene who handle or prepare food.

Incubation period
Average of 28 days but can be up to 50 days

Diagnosis
The diagnosis is confirmed by a blood test.

Prevention
A hepatitis A vaccine gives a high level of protection. Care should be taken with personal hygiene. Follow advice from the travel health nurse regarding foods that should be avoided (especially shellfish) and do not drink the local water.

Treatment
There is no specific treatment available. Hospital care may be necessary if the illness becomes more serious.

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Vaccination options

 

Live vaccine, not suitable for everyone (please discuss with a nurse).

 

Level of protection: ~ 95-99%

 

Protection duration: Up to 1 year after a single dose. 2nd dose extends protection to at least 25 years.

 

How is it given: Single injection with booster at 6-12 months, combined vaccines may have different schedules.

 

Ideally start: 2 weeks before travel however can be given to last minute travellers.

 

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Did you know?

  • Recovery from hepatitis A can take several weeks or months, but sufferers will then be immune to hepatitis A for life.
  • In general, the severity of the disease increases with age.
  • Hepatitis A is more common in developing countries, where there is poor sanitation.