Hepatitis

What is hepatitis?

Hepatitis means 'inflammation of the liver'. The usual cause of this inflammation is a virus. There are several different viruses that can cause hepatitis, the most common are hepatitis A and hepatitis B.
Hepatitis A is passed through ingestion of contaminated food and water or close contact with infected people.
Hepatitis B is spread via blood and other body fluids such as semen. It can be caught during unprotected sex or from unsterilised needles or contaminated blood products.
Both hepatitis A and B are serious diseases.

What are the symptoms?

Most children and about half of adults infected with either hepatitis A or B will not feel ill. But, everyone who is infected can spread the virus to other people.
Symptoms of hepatitis A and B are similar and appear about a month after infection. The symptoms include yellow skin and eyes (jaundice), brown urine, diarrhoea, fever, loss of appetite, vomiting and stomach pains.

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Is there any treatment?

There is no treatment for hepatitis A, but with rest most patients begin to recover within three to four weeks. However, some people can suffer from relapses.
People who are sick with hepatitis B need rest, fluids and a good diet - this means avoiding alcohol and some medicines. The majority of people recover completely although a few become carriers of the virus.
Hepatitis B carriers are also at risk of liver problems including liver cancer or liver failure (cirrhosis).

How can I avoid infection?

You can avoid hepatitis both by vaccination and by taking steps to reduce the risks of infection.
Hepatitis A is more common in some countries than others. People travelling to Africa, South East Asia, southern and eastern Europe, the Middle East and South America should speak to their doctor about vaccination before going abroad. Some foods and tap water in these countries should be avoided (see below).
In some countries, medical care can also carry a risk of hepatitis B infection. Travellers to these countries are advised to carry a clearly labelled medical kit containing sterile stitches (sutures), syringes and needles for use in an emergency.
Not all countries screen blood before transfusion, so if possible travellers should try to check with the local British Consulate before having a blood transfusion.

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What vaccines are available?

There are vaccines which offer protection against hepatitis A and B infection.
About eight weeks before travelling, book an appointment with your doctor or practice nurse to find out which vaccinations you will need. Remember that vaccination should always be combined with careful behaviour (see box).
There are a number of vaccines available, which give up to 10 years' protection against hepatitis A. Your doctor will advise you on which is best for you. It is very important that you return for your 'booster' injection, to ensure protection for up to 10 years.
There are also hepatitis B vaccines. Most give immunity for up to five years. It is important that you receive a complete course of three injections.
Finally there is a vaccine which gives combined protection against both hepatitis A and B. A complete course of the vaccine provides protection for up to 10 years for hepatitis A and hepatitis B, although a booster at five years is required for hepatitis B.

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Help yourself

Protect yourself against hepatitis A:
• If you plan to visit a country with a high level of hepatitis A, book an appointment with your GP or practice nurse for vaccination.
• If you are unsure whether the water is safe, sterilise or boil it.
• Drink bottled or canned drinks and avoid ice cubes if tap water is of poor quality.
• Avoid raw or undercooked shell fish.
• Avoid food exposed to flies.
• Wash your hands after going to the toilet and before handling food.
• Avoid salads, raw vegetables and unpeeled fruit.

Protect yourself against hepatitis B:
• Take a sterile medical kit on holiday.
• Avoid ear piercing or tattooing where the sterility of instruments cannot be guaranteed.
• Practise safe sex - wear condoms.
• Do not share needles with other people.
• If possible, check whether blood donations are screened for viruses before having a transfusion.
• Book an appointment with your GP or practice nurse for vaccination and advice if you think you may be at risk of infection.

This factsheet supported by SmithKline Beecham

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