Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is an infectious inflammation of the liver triggered by the hepatitis A virus. A hepatitis A infection never becomes chronic, but usually goes away on its own after a few weeks or months. Vaccination offers effective protection against hepatitis A.
Who does hepatitis A affect?
Anyone who has not been vaccinated or developed immunity through a prior infection can become infected. The following groups are at particular risk:
- people travelling to tropical regions, the Mediterranean, or Eastern Europe
- people who practise anal sex
- people who come into contact with faeces as part of their occupation
How is hepatitis A transmitted?
Transmission mainly takes place through consumption of water or food which is contaminated with faeces. Most people become infected while travelling as a result of poor hygiene standards.
It is also possible to become infected during sex, mainly anal sex and analingus (rimming).
How can I protect myself?
Vaccination is the only form of protection. We recommend vaccination to everyone, but especially to those at a heightened risk of infection.
What symptoms can appear?
For most adults, the infection results in symptoms such as:
- yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- flu-like symptoms, fatigue, headaches, fever
- nausea, constipation and diarrhoea
How do they test for hepatitis A?
A blood sample is examined to identify an infection.
How is hepatitis A treated?
There is no treatment for hepatitis A – it is only possible to ease the symptoms.
Recovery from a hepatitis A infection can take a few weeks or several months and requires plenty of bed rest. Alcohol and medications that can adversely affect the liver should be avoided.