Hepatitis A Vaccine

Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver that is spread from the faeces of an infected person. Although the virus is not common in the UK, it is in other parts of the world. Vaccination provides the best protection against the virus.

How can you get hepatitis A?

The infection is more common in parts of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Central & South America.

The virus can be contracted from:

Drinking contaminated or unclean water
Eating food that hasn’t been washed or grown in clean water
Eating food that has been handled by an infected person
Close physical contact with an infected person, e.g. having sex and/or sharing needles

Symptoms of hepatitis A:

Symptoms of hepatis A include:

A high temperature
Flu like symptoms
Vomiting or feeling nauseous
Pain in your upper stomach
Diarrhoea or constipation
Pale yellow or grey poo
Dark brown urine
Itchy skin with hives
Yellow tint on the skin and eyes

How can I prevent getting hepatitis A?

The best way to prevent getting hepatitis A is through vaccination. The vaccination is not routinely offered in the UK as the risk of infection is low. However, Day Lewis Pharmacy offer the vaccine as part of our Travel Clinic.

It is recommended you are vaccinated against hepatitis A vaccination if you:

Are traveling to a country where hepatitis A is common
You have been in close physical contact with an infected person
You have long term liver disease
You have a blood clotting disorder
You are a male who has sex with males
Your job puts you at higher risk of infection, such as healthcare or sewage workers

Other ways in which you can reduce your risk include:

Washing your hands thoroughly before preparing and eating food
Drinking bottled water
Avoiding shellfish and uncooked fruit and vegetables
Using a condom during sexual intercourse

What should I do if I have hepatitis A?

If you have been infected with hepatitis A, there are some things you can do to ease the symptoms and prevent infecting others.

Do:

Limit contact with other people for 7 days after yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) has started, or, 7 days after your symptoms started, if you’ve not had jaundice
Rest and drink plenty of water
Take painkillers after consulting with a GP or pharmacist
Keep your room well ventilated
Wear loose fitting clothing
Avoid hot showers and baths if you feel itchy
Wash your hands thoroughly after going to the toilet

Don’t:

Do not drink alcohol
Do not prepare food or drinks for others
Do not have sex without using a condom until you are no longer infectious
Do not share needles with others

How long am I infections?

You are usually infections for either:

7 days after yellowing of the skin and eyes starts (jaundice)
7 days after your symptoms started if you have not had jaundice

Where can I get the vaccination?

Selected Day Lewis pharmacies offer the hepatitis A vaccination privately, as part of our Travel Clinic. If you would like more information, speak to your local Day Lewis pharmacist today.