Newton Place 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
Where is Hepatitis A 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 hepatitis A, including those visiting friends and family, long stay travellers, and backpackers staying in hostels.
How can I protect myself from Hepatitis A?
The most effective protection against Hepatitis A is vaccination. The vaccine is usually given as an injection in the upper arm and provides long lasting protection. A second dose may be recommended for extended cover.
Why vaccinations are so important
Hepatitis A can spread easily in areas where sanitation and food hygiene standards are lower. Even careful travellers can be exposed, as the virus is often invisible and difficult to detect in contaminated food or water. Vaccination provides reliable protection and peace of mind, particularly when travelling to higher risk destinations.
What not to do in prevalent countries:
Do not drink tap water or use it to brush your teeth
Avoid ice and unpasteurised dairy products
Avoid raw or undercooked food, especially seafood
Common Symptoms of Hepatitis A?
Symptoms can range from mild to more severe and usually develop a few weeks after exposure.
Fever & Loss of Appetite
Nausea or Vomiting
Yellowing of the skin and 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 vaccinations.
Many travellers ignore the importance of visiting a travel health clinic before taking an international trip.
*Price subject to change
Book now for your vaccinations at Newton Place Pharmacy!
Come and visit us for some friendly advice, or give us a call on 01795 597509