Hepatitis A is an inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus. It often manifests itself in unspecific general symptoms or with gastrointestinal complaints and jaundice. In rare cases, severe courses or death may occur in people over 40 years of age. Chronic courses do not occur.
Hepatitis A is transmitted via contact or smear infection from person to person (faecal-oral) or by eating contaminated food such as lettuce fertilised with faeces, mussels from contaminated sea areas or through contaminated drinking water. Hepatitis A occurs worldwide, but especially in places with poor sanitary conditions and inadequate drinking water controls.
If you are planning a trip to southern and eastern European countries or to Africa, Asia, South and Central America, you should get vaccinated. The risk of infection in these countries is 1:500 per month of stay - regardless of the style of travel.
The hepatitis A vaccine is an inactivated vaccine and is often administered in combination with hepatitis B or typhoid.
Basic immunisation is given by two doses at least 6 months apart. Protection lasts for at least 10 years, probably more than 25 years.
In general, the vaccination is very well tolerated. However, 10% of those vaccinated experience short-term disturbances in their general condition, such as headaches or fatigue.
To find out which vaccinations are useful for your planned trip, simply make an appointment for a travel medicine consultation at one of our Avi Medical practices and discuss with our medical team. The team will tell you what to look out for so that you can travel safely and relaxed on your next trip.
