Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver and is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). The infection may occur without symptoms, particularly in young children, or may result in a mild to moderate illness lasting several weeks. However, hepatitis A tends to become more severe with advancing age, and adults are more likely to experience noticeable symptoms and complications.
Hepatitis A is primarily spread through contaminated food and water or through close contact with an infected person. It is closely linked to hygiene and sanitation standards, making travellers one of the groups most at risk.
What Is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is an acute liver infection caused by a virus from the Picornaviridae family. While most people recover fully, the illness can be debilitating and, in rare cases, life-threatening, especially in older adults or individuals with existing liver disease. Unlike some other forms of hepatitis, hepatitis A does not cause chronic liver disease, and people who recover develop lifelong immunity.
Globally, an estimated 1.4 million cases of hepatitis A occur each year.
Risk Areas and Travel Risk
The incidence of hepatitis A is closely related to socio-economic conditions and access to clean water and sanitation. High-risk regions include South Asia, Sub-Saharan and North Africa, the Middle East, South and Central America, and parts of Southeast Asia.
In many high-income countries, including the UK, hepatitis A infection is uncommon, and most people do not have natural immunity. As a result, non-immune travellers visiting areas with moderate to high endemicity are at increased risk, particularly those staying with local communities, visiting rural areas, or travelling for extended periods. Importantly, cases have also been reported in travellers staying in good-quality hotels.
Hepatitis A remains one of the most common vaccine-preventable diseases associated with travel.
How Hepatitis A Is Transmitted
Hepatitis A is usually transmitted through the faecal-oral route. Common sources of infection include contaminated food or water, raw or undercooked shellfish, unwashed fruits and vegetables, and food handled by infected individuals with poor hygiene practices.
Person-to-person transmission can also occur through close contact, including certain sexual practices and sharing injection drug equipment. Individuals are most infectious before symptoms appear and during the early stages of illness.
Signs and Symptoms
After an incubation period of approximately 15 to 50 days, symptoms may develop. These can include fatigue, fever, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). Children often have mild or no symptoms, while adults are more likely to experience jaundice and prolonged illness.
Most people recover within a few weeks, although some may feel unwell for several months. Severe complications are rare but more likely in older adults and those with pre-existing liver disease.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Hepatitis A is diagnosed through a blood test that detects specific antibodies. There is no specific antiviral treatment for hepatitis A; care focuses on managing symptoms, maintaining hydration, and allowing the liver time to recover. Hospitalisation may be required in severe cases.
Prevention and Vaccination
Good personal hygiene, safe food practices, and clean drinking water reduce the risk of infection. However, vaccination is the most effective way to prevent hepatitis A.
Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for travellers to high-risk areas and for individuals at increased risk due to their occupation, lifestyle, or medical conditions. The vaccines used in the UK are safe, inactivated, and highly effective, providing long-lasting protection.
Hepatitis A Vaccination at Regent Street Clinic
Regent Street Clinic offers expert travel health advice and hepatitis A vaccinations tailored to your individual needs. Our experienced medical team ensures safe, convenient protection to help you travel with confidence.
Book your hepatitis A vaccination today and protect your liver health at home and abroad.