Hepatitis A
Price per dose: £60
Number of doses required: 1‡
Total price: £60
What is hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver. It’s most commonly transmitted through contact with the stool of an infected person. While hepatitis A is rare in the UK, it remains common in many other parts of the world.
Most people who contract hepatitis A recover fully within a few months.
How can you get hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is more commonly found in:
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Africa
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Asia
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The Middle East
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Central and South America
You can catch hepatitis A through:
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Drinking contaminated water
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Eating food handled or prepared by someone infected with the virus
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Consuming food washed or grown in contaminated water
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Close physical contact with an infected person, such as through sexual activity or sharing needles for recreational drug use
The infection is most contagious from about two weeks before symptoms appear until roughly one week after they begin.
Signs & symptoms of Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A symptoms typically appear around four weeks after infection. Many children and some adults experience only mild symptoms, while others may have none at all.
Common symptoms include:
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Fever
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Flu-like symptoms such as tiredness, headache, and muscle aches
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Nausea and vomiting
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Pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen
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Constipation or diarrhoea
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Pale yellow or grey stools
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Dark brown urine
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Itchy skin (sometimes accompanied by a raised rash known as hives)
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Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
Symptoms usually improve within a couple of months.
You should contact your GP if you experience any of these symptoms and have:
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Recently travelled to an area where hepatitis A is common
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Been in close contact with someone who has hepatitis A
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A blood clotting disorder such as haemophilia
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Engaged in sexual activity with men (if you are male)
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Shared needles when using recreational drugs
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A job that increases your risk of exposure to hepatitis A
Be sure to let your GP know if you suspect you may have hepatitis A.
Treating hepatitis A
Although there’s no specific cure for hepatitis A, the infection usually clears up on its own within three to six months.
If your symptoms are severe or you don’t start feeling better after a couple of months, contact your GP for further advice. They may prescribe medication to help ease your symptoms.
In some cases, hepatitis A can cause temporary liver problems. If this happens, your doctor may recommend blood tests to check how well your liver is functioning.
Hepatitis A vaccination
The hepatitis A vaccine isn’t routinely offered in the UK because the risk of infection is very low. However, vaccination is strongly recommended if you’re travelling to areas where hepatitis A is more common.
It’s especially advised for people who plan to stay for long periods, work in healthcare or sanitation, or have conditions that affect the liver. Getting vaccinated before travelling helps protect you from infection and reduces the risk of spreading the virus to others.
Book your travel health consultation
For expert travel health advice and vaccinations, book an appointment online. It’s best to schedule your visit six to eight weeks before you travel, but even if your trip is sooner, it’s still worth seeking professional guidance.
