Hepatitis A Vaccine

Get your Hepatitis A Vaccine at Medichem Pharmacy

Get your Hepatitis A Vaccine at Medichem pharmacy. Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver. It’s transmitted by direct contact with the infected person or through contaminated water and food. Human faeces mainly contaminate food or water.

Hepatitis A is not common in the UK. Most cases occur in travellers who have recently travelled to countries where the disease is widespread.

Red listed areas of the infection include countries with low income with relatively poor hygiene practices and poor sanitary conditions.

Areas with high infection levels include low-income countries that may have relatively poor sanitary conditions and hygiene practices. These areas include Sub- Saharan and North Africa, the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent, and parts of the Far East, South and Central America.

Travellers who are at a higher risk of acquiring hepatitis A include:

Those who stay with or visit the local people
Long-stay and frequent travellers to high-risk areas
People with existing medical conditions like liver disease or haemophilia
Men who engage in sex with men
Those who take drugs
Anyone who may be exposed to the virus through their work
Those going to areas of hepatitis A outbreaks

What are the symptoms of Hepatitis A

Young children often experience mild or no symptoms. However, the disease advances in seriousness as they grow. Full recovery can take weeks or even months. Immunity is lifelong following hepatitis A illness. Common symptoms include dehydration, weakness, nausea, and vomiting, loss of appetite, tiredness, diarrhoea, headache, and fever. Yellowing of the skin (Jaundice) usually takes place about a week later.

Prevention

Travellers commonly acquire this condition through the consumption of contaminated food or water. The risk of getting hepatitis A can be minimised by making sure personal hygiene and prevention advice is adhered to.