Hepatitis A is one of the most common vaccine-preventable diseases among travellers worldwide. The virus attacks the liver and is spread through contaminated food and water. You don’t need to be eating street food in India or staying in a remote African village to be at risk for hepatitis A. Even at an all-inclusive resort in Mexico or eating off the ship at cruise ports, you could still be exposed. The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for travellers to most destinations outside of North America, Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
In this blog, I’ll explain the risks of hepatitis A for travellers and why getting vaccinated is so important.
How is Hepatitis A Spread?
Hepatitis A is found in the stools of an infected person. It is most commonly spread when an unvaccinated person consumes food or water contaminated with the feces of someone carrying the virus. The virus can spread in several ways:
• Hand contact: If an infected person doesn’t wash their hands properly after using the bathroom, the virus can be transmitted through a handshake to someone who then touches their mouth or eats without washing their hands.
• Contaminated food or drinks: Eating food or drinks that were contaminated during food preparation, including ice and frozen foods. In places with poor sanitation, food or water can be contaminated by sewage.
• Sexual contact: The virus can be spread through sexual activities where fecal material may enter the mouth.
Where is the Risk for Hepatitis A?
The risk for hepatitis A is highest in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water. This includes parts of Africa, Asia, Central and South America and Eastern Europe. Occasionally, outbreaks can also occur in developed countries like Canada, often linked to frozen berries, fresh fruits, vegetables, or seafood that have been contaminated during the growing, processing, or distributing process.
In Canada, up to 55% of hepatitis A infections are travel-related. It can affect all types of travellers – from adventurous backpackers to those staying at all-inclusive resorts, anyone who isn’t vaccinated could be at risk.
How Serious is Hepatitis A?
Symptoms of hepatitis A can vary. Some people might not have any symptoms but can still spread the virus to others. Other people may experience fever, nausea, loss of appetite, stomach pain, fatigue, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
Although most people recover within 2 months, relapses can occur and symptoms can last up to 6-9 months. About 25% of adult cases require hospitalization. Severe complications, including liver failure and death, are more common in older adults, those with a weakened immune system, or those with chronic liver disease.
Unfortunately, there is no treatment for hepatitis A once you’re infected. That’s why prevention through vaccination is key.
The Hepatitis A Vaccine
The best way to protect yourself from hepatitis A is through vaccination. The vaccine is recommended for anyone travelling to areas where the virus is a risk.
The hepatitis A vaccine is safe for people aged 6 months and older. It is given as a two-dose series, with the second dose given between 6 months to 3 years after the first dose. You’ll be protected about 2 weeks after the first dose, and the second dose ensures long-term immunity. Once you’ve had both doses, you won’t need any further vaccinations for hepatitis A.
The Twinrix Vaccine
If you’re looking for protection against both hepatitis A and hepatitis B, the Twinrix vaccine may be a good option. Twinrix is given as a series of three doses: the first two doses are one month apart, followed by a third dose six months later.
You’re generally protected after the first two doses, and the third ensures long-lasting immunity. If you’re leaving for your trip soon, there are also accelerated schedules for the Twinrix vaccine. Once you’ve completed the three-dose series, you won’t need any further vaccinations for hepatitis A or B.
Vaccine Side Effects
Both the hepatitis A and Twinrix vaccines are very safe. Side effects are usually mild and temporary. The most common reactions include redness, swelling, or soreness at the injection site. Less commonly, people may experience a mild headache, fatigue, fever, or stomach upset, but these side effects usually only last 1 to 2 days.
How to Book Your Hepatitis A or Twinrix Vaccine Appointment
How to Book Your Hepatitis A or Twinrix Vaccine AppointmentBooking your hepatitis A or Twinrix vaccine at TMVC is quick and easy. Our Registered Nurses are available to administer the vaccines and answer any questions you may have. No prescription is required—just give us a call at 1-888-288-8682 or book your appointment online.
If this is your first time travelling—or you’re heading to a developing country—we recommend scheduling a travel consultation. In addition to hepatitis A, you may be at risk for other travel-related illnesses such as typhoid, measles, yellow fever, malaria, or dengue fever. A travel health consultant will assess the specific health risks of your destination and recommend any additional vaccines or medications you may need for a safe and healthy trip.