Hepatitis A
What is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a viral liver infection that spreads through contaminated food, water, or poor hygiene. It causes flu-like symptoms and can lead to jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes).
How is it Spread?
- Eating or drinking contaminated food or water
- Poor handwashing, especially after using the toilet
- Close contact with someone who has hepatitis A
Who is at Risk?
- Travellers to areas with poor sanitation
- People who eat street food or raw shellfish in high-risk areas
- Healthcare, childcare, and sanitation workers
- Those with chronic liver disease or weakened immunity
Signs and Symptoms:
- Fever, tiredness, nausea
- Stomach pain, vomiting
- Jaundice (yellow skin/eyes)
- Dark urine, pale stools
- Muscle aches and joint pain
When to Consider Vaccination:
- Before travel to high-risk regions
- If working in healthcare, childcare, or sanitation
- If you have liver disease
- For close contact with infected individuals
The Vaccine:
- Single injection + booster (6–12 months later)
- Protection lasts at least 20 years
- Available alone or in combination with hepatitis B
- Safe, well-tolerated, and highly effective
Do
- Get vaccinated at least 2 weeks before travel to high-risk regions
- Drink only bottled or purified water while travelling
- Wash hands regularly, especially before eating and after using the toilet
Do not
- Assume the risk is low just because you’re staying in a hotel
- Drink tap water or consume ice in places with poor sanitation
- Eat raw or undercooked food from street vendors without precautions