HEPATITIS A; TRAVEL HEALTH INFORMATION

People travel all the time, some for business and others for recreation, vacation and pleasure. However, a well planned trip can go awfully wrong when Hepatitis A sets in. We have taken the time to provide you with some travel tips on prevention, care and treatment of Hepatitis A, while you enjoy your trip.

What is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a serious viral disease that affects the liver. It equally affects the normal function of the liver.

How is it transmitted?

Hepatitis A is a viral disease. This means it is caused by a virus. It is transmitted through contaminated food and water, mostly by feacal matter i.e human waste. It can also be transmitted by blood, although rarely, and even through unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person.

Signs and symptoms

Sometimes, even in several cases, people who are infected do not show outwardly symptoms. However, some infected people might experience some signs as;

• Feeling of tiredness or weakness for several months
• Jaundice i.e yellow skin and eyes. This will usually clear within 3 weeks
• Symptoms of flu, like abdominal pain, vomiting, dark urine
• Nausea
• Pain in the upper part of the abdomen. This is the position of the liver.

Treatment

Hepatitis A currently has no cure. However, the symptoms can be treated. But the virus remains in the body throughout the lifetime. This does not mean the patient will not fully recover, it just means the virus cannot be completely eradicated. One of the best measures to take in order to ensure complete recovery and also to prevent future outbreaks is to practice proper hygiene in daily living and also in diet.

Hepatitis A and common regions

Hepatitis A is not restricted to just one area or region of the world. It is found everywhere, however, it is mostly common in areas where the sanitation levels are really low, like Africa, Asia, South America etc. This means the risk of contracting Hepatitis A in these areas is higher than other areas because of its low sanitation level.

Hepatitis A vaccination

Although there is no exact cure for Hepatitis A, and anyone can contract the disease, there are still some people who are at a higher risk of contracting the disease than others. Maybe because of their environment, or because of their work. These people are advised to get vaccinated against Hepatitis A, and the include;

1. People who have any sort of liver problems
2. People who work with sewage
3. People who live in areas with low sanitation levels, and are thus easily exposed to various diseases
4. People who work in place with low sanitation levels
5. People who are homosexual or have homophilia
6. People who have close contact with people who might be infected

What are the drugs used for vaccination?

The drugs administered during vaccination are Avaxim, Epaxyl, Vaqta or Havrix. It is administered as injections, in two doses, 6 – 12 months apart. The injection is given in the deltoid muscle of your arm. The second dose follows after 6 – 12 months of the first. They are effective, as they protect you for about 25 years. The vaccine can be combined with injections for typhoid or Hepatitis B, based on the choice of the patient.

Who can get vaccinated?

Anyone over a year old can get vaccinated by these drugs. However, for pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers or people who have certain diseases, we will advice you to consult us for the suitability of the vaccine.

Side effects?

We at The Travel clinic have recorded minor side effects from people who got the vaccination. They experienced some effects as; bowel problems, minor pain, reaction or swelling at the injection point, and flu-like symptoms.

Where can I get vaccinated?

At The Travel Clinic, we will provide you with the vaccinations against Hepatitis A. Visit our clinic to get vaccinated.

Cost of Hepatitis A vaccination

The cost of Hepatitis A vaccine depends on the brand you get, which is also dependent on your exact circumstance and age. The vaccine for adults is higher than the vaccine for children. It costs about £60 for adults and £50 for children.

Preventing Hepatitis A

The best and surest way to prevent contraction of Hepatitis A, especially when you are on a trip is to practise good and proper hygiene and diet. It is the little efforts which are often overlooked that protect us from Hepatitis A virus. These efforts are;

• Not sharing materials related to personal hygiene like toothbrush and towels
• Avoiding unclean water, especially water not boiled
• Cleaning your mouth with clean, safe water
• Avoiding raw and undercooked seafood
• Avoiding food exposed to flies like food from street traders
• Avoiding unpasteurized dairy products

Conclusion

A well-planned trip can go sour when sickness sets in, especially when Hepatitis A is involved. At The Travel Clinic, we can make sure you do not experience any discomfort or exposure to Hepatitis A virus. Our vaccinations will protect you and your family from Hepatitis A virus no matter where you go, and no matter your reason for travelling, be it work-related or for vacation. Contact us today to book an appointment for your Hepatitis A vaccination.