How Hepatitis A Spreads
The virus spreads primarily through the faecal-oral route, which may occur when food or water is contaminated due to poor sanitation or hygiene practices.
Transmission may also occur through:
- Close household contact
- Consumption of contaminated food
- Exposure during travel
- Poor hand hygiene practices
Risk levels may be higher in areas with limited access to clean water or sanitation infrastructure.
Symptoms
Symptoms may vary in severity and may appear several weeks after exposure.
Common symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal discomfort
- Loss of appetite
- Dark urine
- Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
Some individuals may experience mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.
Possible Complications
Most individuals recover fully from Hepatitis A, but recovery may take several weeks or months. In rare cases, complications affecting liver function may occur, particularly in older adults or those with underlying liver conditions.
Possible complications include prolonged fatigue or impaired liver function.
Who Should Consider Hepatitis A Vaccination
Vaccination may be recommended for:
- Travellers to areas where Hepatitis A infection is more common
- Individuals with chronic liver disease
- Persons working in food preparation or healthcare
- Individuals living in environments where infection risk may be increased
- Individuals who prefer preventive protection
Vaccination is also beneficial for individuals who may be exposed through occupational or environmental risks.