Hepatitis A

Click on images below for detailed Hepatitis A facts and prevention information.

Be prepared. Your local Travel Clinic can help you plan for a safe and healthy adventure. What Is It? Hepatitis A is a virus that is very common in developing countries where sanitation is poor. Travellers can be infected from person-to-person contact or through food and water that has been contaminated with animal or human feces. In adults, Hepatitis A usually results in liver disease, characterized by jaundice - a yellowing of the skin - that can last a month or more. Other symptoms may include fatigue, nausea, stomach pains and general weakness; Children may show no symptoms at all. Where Is It? Hepatitis A is a virus that is very common in developing countries where sanitation is poor. Prevention Tips Follow strict food and water precautions while travelling. Ensure all food is well cooked - especially meat and seafood. Consume only canned or commercially bottled drinks. Ensure ice cubes are made from purified water. Eat only fruits and vegetables that you wash and peel yourself. Avoid cold cuts, salads, watermelon and puddings. If travelling to an area where Hepatitis A is common, your travel health care professional should ensure that you receive a Hepatitis A vaccine such as Avaxim®. Available Immunizations Individuals travelling to countries where Hepatitis A is common should consider immunization with Avaxim®. Immunization is especially recommended for you if you will be travelling to places off the beaten track. Avaxim® reduces your risk of becoming ill with Hepatitis A. To provide long-term protection, two injections will be given: one injection at least one week before your departure a second injection 6 to 12 months after the first injection. Remember that this second injection is necessary for long-term (>10 year) protection.

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