Overview of Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a virus that causes a liver infection. It’s spread in the faeces of people who’ve been infected. Although is is an unpleasant disease, most people infected will make a full recovery in a couple of months. However, it can last a lot longer.
The infection is spread through eating food prepared by someone who has been infected and hasn’t washed their hands properly; or eating food prepared by someone who washed their hands in contaminated water; drinking contaminated water, which includes ice cubes; close contact with someone who has been infected; having sex with someone who has been infected; injecting drugs with a contaminated needle.
Who’s affected
Whilst uncommon in the UK, Hepatitis A is a risk for travellers to countries with poor sanitation levels, people who inject drugs, and people who have anal sex.
If you are at risk of infection, it is a good idea to vaccinate against Hepatitis A. The TravelHealthPro website lists the recommended vaccines for travellers to specific countries, so always check before you go.
Symptoms of Hepatitis A
For most people, symptoms generally develop about 4 weeks after infection and last a couple of months; others won’t experience any symptoms at all.
- Tiredness
- A feeling of general unwellness
- Nausea
- Stomach ache
- Loss of appetite
- Pain in joints and muscles
- A high temperature
- Jaundiced skin and eyes
- Itchy skin
- Pale faeces and dark urine
Hepatitis A Treatment
There is no cure, but the disease will usually pass on its own. Whilst it’s a good idea to see your GP, you can manage your own symptoms by treating aches and pains with paracetamol or ibuprofen, good hygiene practices, e.g. washing your hands regularly; getting plenty of rest; staying away from work until at least a week after your symptoms started; abstaining from sex for at least a week after your symptoms started; keeping the room cool and well ventilated, avoiding alcohol to help your liver recover.