Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a viral infection affecting the liver, primarily spread through contaminated food and water or close contact with an infected person.
Vaccination can help reduce your chances of becoming infected.
In Australia, it is part of the National Immunisation Program (NIP) and is also generally recommended for those who are travelling to countries where the disease is endemic. Immunisation is the best way to reduce your risk.
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What is hepatitis A
Hepatitis is inflammation (swelling) of the liver. Several things can cause hepatitis including heavy alcohol use, toxins, some medications, and medical conditions. However, hepatitis is usually caused by a virus.
There are different types of hepatitis, named after the virus that causes the; hepatitis A is one of them.
Hepatitis A is caused by the hepatitis A virus and accounts for 20-25% of all cases of hepatitis. The illness may only last for a few weeks although some people can be sick for several months. Once you have had the virus, you have lifelong immunity and can’t get it again.
Hepatitis A is a notifiable disease in Australia. That means health authorities must be notified if you have the disease.
Symptoms of hepatitis A
Symptoms usually start anywhere between two and four weeks after you are infected with the virus. Symptoms may include:
pain on the right side of your abdomen (where your liver is)
nausea or vomiting
loss of appetite
fever
aching muscles or joints
fatigue
dark urine
poo that is clay- or grey-coloured
intense itching that may be localised or all over the body
yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice).
Some people, particularly young children, may have hepatitis A and not have any symptoms.
What causes it and who is at risk
The hepatitis A virus is found in the stool (poo) and blood of infected people. Hepatitis A is very contagious and can survive for several hours outside the body. However, it survives on the hands and in food for even longer. It’s usually spread when the virus is swallowed (ingested) by another person. This can happen through:
Eating contaminated food and drink
Food can become contaminated at any stage of the growing and production process and even after cooking. Food can also become contaminated if an infected person prepares food for others or if they wash it in contaminated water. Hepatitis A is resistant to heat and freezing. Contaminated food and drink are the most common way hepatitis A is spread.
Close personal contact
Touching dirty nappies, linen or towels of someone who had hepatitis
Sharing personal items like toothbrushes
Having sexual contact (anal and oral sex) with an infected person
Looking after someone who has hepatitis A
Using drugs with infected people.
Who is at risk of hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is associated with poor sanitation, unsafe drinking water, and poor hygiene. Therefore, it’s more common in developing countries.
How is hepatitis A diagnosed?
Hepatitis A is usually diagnosed with a:
medical history, including immunisation status and travel history
physical examination
blood test.
Treatment of hepatitis A
There is no specific treatment or medicine to treat hepatitis A. However, the following is recommended:
rest
drinking plenty of fluids
eating small meals more often if nausea is a problem
avoid drinking alcohol
check with your doctor about any medication you may be taking
If you are a close contact of someone who has hepatitis A and you don’t have immunity (either through previous infection or vaccination), speak to your doctor. You may be able to have an injection that will give you short-term protection.
How serious is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A doesn’t usually cause long-term damage. However, in rare cases, it can cause liver failure which can be fatal. Worldwide, around 0.5% of people with hepatitis A die.
Hepatitis A vaccination
You can be immunised against hepatitis A. You may want to get a hepatitis vaccination before travelling to countries where there may be a risk of contracting the virus. Immunisation involves a course of injections over a 6-12 month period.
The vaccine is only free for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in QLD, SA, WA and NT, who are recommended to have the vaccine.
Others recommended for the vaccine are people who:
work in early childhood settings
live or work in rural and remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in QLD, SA, WA and NT
have developmental disabilities, and their carers
work as plumbers and sewage workers
have anal sex
inject drugs
are in prison, detention centres and similar facilities
have long-term liver disease
have had a liver transplant
have hepatitis B or hepatitis C.
How long does a hepatitis A vaccine last?
The hepatitis A vaccine usually takes two weeks to be effective. One dose of hepatitis A vaccine can provide protection for around 6-12 months. If a booster dose of hepatitis A vaccine is given around six months after the first dose, it usually provides lifelong protection.
Can you prevent hepatitis A?
Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against hepatitis A. Practicing good hygiene is also important. This means
wash your hands; after using the toilet, before eating and drinking, before preparing food and drink, after handling anything with body fluids such as nappies or condoms, and after caring for someone with hepatitis A.
practice safe sex
regularly clean bathrooms and toilets.
If you are travelling overseas you should:
drink bottled water if the seal is unbroken
avoid unpackaged drinks and ice
avoid raw or uncooked foods that may have been cleaned with contaminated water
avoid eating raw or undercooked meat and fish
eat hot food straight away
avoid shellfish and unpasteurised dairy products
avoid eating food at street markets
wash hands thoroughly before eating or use hand sanitiser.
If you have hepatitis A, avoid passing it on to other people by:
not preparing food and drink for anyone
not sharing personal items, cutlery or cups with anyone
not sharing towels and linen
not having sex
washing all utensils in hot soapy water, and machine-washing linen and towels
wash hands thoroughly before eating or use hand sanitiser.
Our Pharmacies want to ensure that every patient receives the best possible care.
To ensure your pharmacy is in stock of the selected vaccination we recommend you call your local MediADVICE pharmacy to confirm stock availability or schedule your appointment 48 hours from the time of booking.
Fees may apply.
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Disclaimer
General advice only – this information should not replace the information provided to you by your health care professional. If symptoms are severe or persist, please speak to your health care professional. Information current as of date of publishing.