Hepatitis A: What It Is, Who’s at Risk, and How to Stay Protected
What is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver. Unlike some other forms of hepatitis, it doesn’t cause long-term liver disease, but it can derail your health (and your holiday) for weeks.
It spreads through the “faecal–oral route”, meaning, the virus enters the body via contaminated food, water, or close contact with an infected person. In real-world travel terms, this can look like untreated water, uncooked foods, ice, or poor hand hygiene in busy food settings. Even well-intentioned eating adventures can come with unwanted souvenirs.
One of the tricky things about Hepatitis A is timing. You can become unwell 2-4 weeks after exposure, with an average incubation (time from exposure to symptoms) period of around 28 days. That means symptoms often show up after you’ve returned home. During this time, people may unknowingly spread the virus.
Symptoms may include fever, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, tummy discomfort, dark urine, pale stools and jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes). Some people, especially children, may not show any symptoms at all but can still spread the virus.
How Does Hepatitis A Impact Health?
Most people recover fully, but recovery isn’t always quick. Fatigue can be significant, and liver inflammation can temporarily affect digestion, appetite and energy levels. Which is not ideal if you’re trying to bounce back into work or training after travel.
In some cases, Hepatitis A can cause complications such as:
- prolonged jaundice
- dehydration from ongoing nausea or vomiting
- relapse of symptoms weeks after initial recovery
- rarely, acute liver failure, especially in older adults or those with existing liver disease
Even in otherwise healthy people, Hepatitis A can mean weeks of reduced energy and time off work. Something many travellers don’t factor into their post-trip plans.
Who’s at Higher Risk?
Anyone can catch Hepatitis A, but exposure risk increases when travelling, particularly to regions where the virus is more common. Higher-risk groups include:
- travellers to parts of Asia, Africa, Central and South America, and the Middle East
- people with chronic liver disease
- men who have sex with men
- people who use illicit drugs
- household or close contacts of someone with Hepatitis A
- staff and children in childcare centres during outbreaks
- people experiencing homelessness or unstable housing
How Can You Protect Yourself?
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent Hepatitis A.
Two doses provide long-term protection, and vaccination is strongly recommended for travellers to risk areas, people with chronic liver conditions, and other at-risk groups.
Good hygiene matters too. Preventive habits include:
- washing hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after the bathroom and before preparing food. If you’re on the go, hand sanitizer is a great option.
- drink treated or bottled water, where advised; avoid ice in drinks.
- avoiding raw or undercooked seafood in high-risk regions.
- follow the classic travel rule: boil it, cook it, peel it – or leave it.
If you’re unsure about your risk factors, your travel plans, or whether vaccination is right for you, your friendly WholeLife Pharmacy & Healthfoods pharmacist or your GP can guide you through the best options.
Hepatitis A might be less talked about than other infections, but it’s highly preventable. A combination of vaccination, good hygiene and smart travel habits can go a long way in keeping you and your community safe.
References
- Australian Immunisation Handbook. Hepatitis A. Department of Health and Ageing. Updated 9 October 2024. Accessed via: https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/contents/vaccine-preventable-diseases/hepatitis-a
- Better Health Channel. Hepatitis A. Victoria State Government Department of Health. Accessed via: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/hepatitis-a
