Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a liver infection that is spread in the poo of an infected person. Most people who get it get better within a few months.

Hepatitis A is not common in the UK but it is common in other parts of the world.

How you can get hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is caused by a virus that spreads in poo.

The infection is more common in parts of Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Central and South America.

You can get hepatitis A from:

• drinking unclean water
• eating food that's been washed or grown in unclean water
• eating food that's been handled by an infected person
• close physical contact with an infected person, including having sex and sharing needles to take drugs

You can check the risks of a country you're travelling to on the TravelHealthPro website

Hepatitis A vaccination

Vaccination is the best way to prevent hepatitis A.

Hepatitis A vaccines are not routinely offered in the UK because the risk of getting infected is low.

You only need to get a vaccine if you are at high risk of catching or getting seriously ill from hepatitis A. For example:

• you are travelling to a country where hepatitis A is common - you may need to pay for a hepatitis A vaccine for travel
• you have recently been in close physical contact with someone with hepatitis A
• you have long-term liver disease
• you have a blood clotting disorder, such some people with haemophilia
• you are a man who has sex with men
• your job puts you at risk of infection - for example, you're a healthcare worker or a sewage worker

Speak to your GP if you think you need a hepatitis A vaccine. If your job puts you at risk, your employer should organise your vaccination.

If you are travelling abroad, get advice from a travel clinic, GP, nurse, or pharmacist before you go.

Other ways to reduce your risk

You can also help prevent hepatitis A when travelling by:

• washing your hands thoroughly before preparing and eating food
• drinking bottled water
• avoiding eating shellfish and uncooked fruit and vegetables
• using a condom or dam when having sex

Check if you have hepatitis A

Symptoms of hepatitis A infection include:

• a high temperature
• flu-like symptoms, such as tiredness, headache, and muscle pains
• feeling sick or being sick
• pain in your upper tummy
• diarrhoea or constipation
• pale yellow or pale grey poo
• dark brown pee
• itchy skin - you may also have a raised rash (hives)
• yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes (jaundice)

Most children, and some adults, may have mild symptoms or no symptoms.

See a GP if:

Treatment for hepatitis A

Hepatitis A usually clears up on its own within 3 to 6 months.

Your doctor may offer you medicines to help with the symptoms, such as painkillers or medicines to stop you feeling sick or itchy.

A small number of people with hepatitis A may get liver problems. You may need blood tests to check your liver is working properly.

Things you can do if you have hepatitis A

There are some things you can do when you have hepatitis A to help ease the symptoms, and to stop infecting others.

How long you're infectious

You're usually infectious for either:

• 7 days after yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) started
• 7 days after your symptoms started, if you've not had jaundice

If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.