Hepatitis A : What You Need to Know

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of Hepatitis A can last for anything between a few weeks to several months. Sufferers can experience the following common symptoms:

• Jaundice which is when the skin and eyes turn yellow
• Fatigue and nausea
• Fever, aches and pains and potentially mild vomiting
• Diarrhoea and abdominal pain
• An aching liver which will be noticeable around the upper right part of your stomach just below your ribs.

Hepatitis A countries at risk

Hepatitis A is most common in parts of the world where standards of sanitation and food hygiene are generally poor, such as parts of Africa, the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East and Central and South America.

Dose Interval for Hepatitis A Vaccine

The dose interval for the Hepatitis A vaccine depends on the specific vaccine formulation being used. In general, for most Hepatitis A vaccines:

Primary Series: Consists of two doses with the second dose ideally administered between 6-12 months of the first dose.

Protection: if the above schedule is provided, the protection will last approx 20 years.

Taking precautions from Hepatitis A

While travelling, only drink water from a sealed bottle or from sources that have been treated by filtration, boiling or tablets. Try to extremely avoid drinking tap water. Avoid eating salads and fruit washed in water. Also avoid uncooked food, only eat fruit that you can peel and make sure all hot food is freshly cooked. Wash your hands regularly and maintain a strict hygiene routine.

Prevention

Hepatitis A is preventable by having a vaccination, the vaccine is given as a course of two injections. The first vaccination is followed by a booster vaccination six months later, which can provide as much as 25 years of protection.

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