Hayshine Pharmacy

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a highly infectious virus that can cause inflammation of the liver. The virus is usually transmitted through food or water contaminated by human faeces or by direct contact with an infectious person

Common Locations

Where is This Virus Found?

Hepatitis A is rare in the UK with most cases occurring in travellers who have recently visited countries where the disease is common.

Areas with high levels of infection include countries with poor sanitary conditions and hygiene practices. These areas include: the Indian subcontinent, Sub-Saharan and North Africa, parts of the Far East, South and Central America, and the Middle East.

Certain travellers are at increased risk of acquiring hepatitis A, including: those who are staying with or visiting friends and family or long-stay travellers especially back packers staying in hostels.

Common Symptoms of Hep A

Here are three symptoms to help recognise the disease

Fever & Loss of Appetite

Malaise & Nausea

Jaundice (Yellow Eyes)

Various Types of Hepatitis

There are five different hepatitis viruses: A, B, C, D and E. Hepatitis A is the most contagious/ Hepatitis worldwide due to the virus being highly transmissible.

Hepatitis B, C, D are not transmitted as easily due to their blood borne transmission route, however all forms of Hepatitis can be transmitted through sexual contact or through saliva. Hepatitis E is transmitted through water or food like Hep A but is currently not common worldwide

Additional Information

Before you travel, quite often you’ll not be informed by your travel agent, that there are risks involved that require vaccination

Many travellers ignore the importance of visiting a travel health clinic before taking an international trip. Failure to get a Meningitis ACWYcertificate will prevent passage to many countries.

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