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Hepatitis A - What is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the Liver and is estimated to affect up to 10 million people worldwide

How can I get Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is spread through contaminated food and water and can be found in faeces of an infected person. Poor hygiene such as failing to wash your hands after going to the lavatory can spread the virus.

What are the symptons?

Symptoms can vary from jaundice, flu-like symptoms, headache, fever, loss of appetite, vomiting with the incubation period being about a month.

If children catch it they will seldom become ill and once infected will carry a life-long immunity to the disease. The disease is more serious in the elderly.

How is it treated?

There is a very effective vaccine against Hepatitis A which is available from your doctor or at travel clinics and is recommended for tourists or travellers going to high-risk areas.

You should try and avoid the disease by ensuring a high level of hygeine, avoiding salads, uncooked vegetables, unpasteurised milk, shelfish and checking that the water is safe to drink.

Where are the High Risk areas?

High risk areas are the Indian sub-continent, South-East Asia, Africa and South America

If you return home from holiday or travelling and you think you have symptoms of Hepatitis A then you should consult your doctor's surgery or, in the UK, phone NHS Direct on 0845 4647.