Ready to explore? Learn more about avoiding hepatitis A while travelling
Before heading off on your travels, it’s important to be prepared. Here we learn about hepatitis A, the vaccinations and treatments available.
What is hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by a virus. It’s usually spread in the poo of someone who’s infected. Hepatitis A isn’t common in the UK but it’s common in other parts of the world.
Most people who get hepatitis A get better in a few months.
How can you get hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is more common in:
• Africa
• Asia
• The Middle East
• Central America
• South America
You can get hepatitis A from:
• Drinking unclean water
• Eating food that’s been handled or prepared by someone with hepatitis A
• Eating food that’s been washed or grown in unclean water
• Being in close physical contact with someone with hepatitis A, for example having sex or sharing needles to take recreational drugs
The infection is at its most contagious stage in the two weeks before symptoms appear, up until about a week after the symptoms first show.
Signs & symptoms of hepatitis A
Hepatitis A symptoms usually develop approximately four weeks after becoming infected. Most children and some adults have mild symptoms and some people don’t have any.
Symptoms can include:
• Having a fever
• Flu-like symptoms like feeling tired, having a headache and having muscle aches and pains
• Nausea
• Being sick
• Pain in your upper tummy
• Feeling constipated
• Having diarrhoea
• Having pale yellow poo
• Having pale grey poo
• Having dark brown wee
• Having itchy skin (some people also get a raised rash called hives)
• Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes (jaundice)
Symptoms usually subside within a couple of months.
Make sure to speak to your GP if you have any of the above symptoms of hepatitis A and:
• You’ve travelled to a place where hepatitis A is common recently
• You’ve been in close contact with someone who has hepatitis A recently
• You’ve got a blood clotting disorder like haemophilia
• You’re a man who has sex with men
• You’ve shared needles with people when taking drugs
• Your job puts you at risk of getting hepatitis A
It’s important to tell your GP that you think you might have hepatitis A.
Treating hepatitis A
Although there’s no cure for hepatitis A, it will normally pass on its own within three to six months.
If you’re struggling with any symptoms or you haven’t started to improve within a couple of months, speak to your GP for further advice. They may offer you medicines which can help with the symptoms.
Some people who have hepatitis A might get some problems with their liver. If this is the case, you might need blood tests to make sure your liver is working properly.
Hepatitis A vaccination
The hepatitis A vaccine isn’t routinely given because the risk is so low in the UK, but if you're travelling to a country with a risk of the disease, vaccination is recommended.
How long does the hepatitis A vaccination last?
A booster is recommended after six to 12 months to provide protection for 25 years.
There are other ways to help avoid hepatitis A while you’re travelling. These include:
• Washing your hands thoroughly before you prepare and eat food
• Drinking bottled water
• Avoiding eating shellfish
• Avoiding uncooked fruit and veg
• Using a condom or dental dam when you’re having sex
Our service
For specialist health advice and vaccinations, book an appointment online with Boots Travel Vaccinations and Health Advice Service*. Ideally, this should be six to eight weeks before departure, but it’s never too late to seek advice if you're leaving sooner.
Travel vaccination advice
1. Book an appointment
Six to eight weeks before you travel you will need to have your travel health appointment to assess what vaccinations you need.
2. Attend a personalised risk assessment23
During the 40 minute travel health appointment our specially-trained pharmacist will advise on any vaccinations and antimalarials you need for your travelling.
3. Get any vaccinations & antimalarials you may need*
You'll also be given additional personalised advice to help you stay healthy on your trip
