When Hepatitis A is talked about most people presume, they won’t need a vaccination unless they are travelling to places like India, Africa, the Middle East or Central and South America. All places where access to clean water is difficult.
But as recently as 2023 outbreaks of Hepatitis A have been recorded in Slovakia, the United States and New Caledonia. This has led to changes in the country information pages of Travel Health Pro and now a Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended in some European countries, although the UK is not one of them.
Hepatitis A is caused by a viral infection. The infection causes inflammation of the liver. If you already have liver disease, then you are at a greater risk of becoming very ill from the Hepatitis A virus.
The virus spreads through contaminated food or water. But it can also be passed on through close contact with someone who has the virus especially if they don’t wash their hands after using the toilet.
If you have the virus, you can pass it on for around a week after you first show symptoms.
A lot of children, especially those under the age of 6 years don’t have any symptoms. But adults and older people will begin to show symptoms about 4 weeks after picking up the virus.
The symptoms include:
If you are unwell with any of the above symptoms or you are having problems with your liver, then your doctor will take a blood test.
You can be treated for the symptoms of the virus. For example, if you have a headache then you can take an over-the-counter painkiller. Your doctor might also recommend medication to stop your skin itching or help with feeling sick.
There isn’t a specific treatment for Hepatitis A. Most people will get better on their own. But it might take up to 6 months before you feel back to normal.
Some people relapse after they have made a recovery and feel unwell again, but this does not happen often and if it does there will only be one relapse. Once you have made a full recovery you will have immunity to Hepatitis A and so you won’t get it again.
The most important thing is to have a vaccination. When you are in a country that has the hepatitis A virus it’s important to wash your hands regularly, only drink bottled water and avoid raw vegetables and fruit and any type of shellfish.
You can get your vaccination from the Travel Clinic at VSM pharmacy. Simply pop in or call them to make an appointment. A hepatitis A vaccine is available to anyone over the age of 16.
You will get the vaccine in two doses. The first dose will be given to you at least 2 weeks before you travel, and this dose will give you initial protection. You then have the second dose between 6 and 12 months later which will give you long-term protection. The vaccine lasts for a lifetime although you are advised to have a booster after 20 years.
If you have your vaccine at VSM Pharmacy the cost is currently (2024) £49.99 for the two doses.
Remember, you can pop in to the pharmacy and make an appointment, contact us through the web site or give us a call on 01276 21002.
VSM Pharmacy are now offering a private vaccine service for Covid-19. The vaccination comes from Novavax and is a protein based formula like vaccines for shingles or Hepatitus B.
If you go to certain countries you may need a Yellow Fever vaccination or a certificate to show that you have already had the vaccination.
Yellow Fever is a virus that comes from infected mosquitos and the best way to protect yourself is by having a vaccination.
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