What is Hepatitis A? Do frequent travelers face an increased risk of contracting Hepatitis A? Can I minimize that risk?
All valid questions. Let’s take a look at them one by one. Identified as a traveler’s affliction, Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver disease caused by the Hepatitis A virus. No one is immune. Infection can occur as an isolated incident or become epidemic.
HAV is found in the stool (feces) of infected individuals. It’s transmitted when an uninfected person ingests something that has been contaminated by a carrier. This type of transmission, called fecal-oral, is prevalent in regions noted for poor sanitary conditions and substandard personal hygiene.
Adults who contract Hepatitis A are more likely than children to exhibit symptoms, including sudden onset of jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea and fever. Symptoms usually wane within two months of infection, but a few people experience symptoms for up to six months. About 15 percent of people infected with HAV will have prolonged or recurring symptoms for up to a year.
Diagnosis requires a blood test. Contact your physician or local health department if you suspect you may have been exposed to the virus. The good news is, once you’ve contracted Hepatitis A, you are immune from future infections by the same virus. Exposure does not cause any long-term symptoms, but infection can be deadly to anyone with chronic liver disease. Approximately one-third of all Americans have experienced Hepatitis A infection.
So, who’s at risk? In general, anyone who comes into household or sexual contact with an infected person. That’s particularly true in areas with widespread cases of Hepatitis A or for people who travel to countries where Hepatitis A is a common affliction. While exposure is higher for people staying in or visiting rural areas-especially regions with sub-par sanitary conditions-the risk for Hepatitis A exists even for travelers staying in urban areas and luxury hotels.
Prevention is possible. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise anyone planning travel to underdeveloped countries reporting high or intermediate rates of Hepatitis A (a list that includes most of the world with the exception of the United States, Canada, Iceland, Australia and most of Europe) to get vaccinated prior to travel. The Hepatitis A vaccine is the best protection. It consists of two injections, the first of which is administered at least four weeks before travel. Your doctor will advise you regarding administration of the second dose.
The Hepatitis A vaccine has an excellent safety record. No serious adverse effects have been associated with the vaccine.
Soreness at the injection site is the most frequently reported side effect. Although data on long-term protection are limited, estimates suggest that the protection will last up to 20 years. Protection against Hepatitis A begins four weeks after the first dose of the vaccine is administered. Other vaccines may be given at the same time, but at a different injection site.
Short-term protection against Hepatitis A is available in the form of immune globulin injections. Immune globulin is a safe preparation of antibodies that can be administered prior to exposure or within two weeks of coming into contact with Hepatitis A.
An Ounce of Prevention
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the bathroom or changing a diaper.
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water prior to preparing or eating food.
Avoid drinking untreated tap water.
Avoid using ice cubes made from untreated tap water.
Brush teeth using only bottled or boiled water.
Do not eat unpeeled fruits, uncooked vegetables or raw shellfish.
Do not eat food or drink beverages purchased from street vendors, unless you are buying a commercially prepared product.
Read This Next
Diabetes
2004 / April 2004
Sep 1, 2010Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Mar 21, 2023Salem, Massachusetts, Announces 2023 Festival Schedule
The town of Salem, Massachusetts, may get a lot of attention come October and Halloween, but this year-round destination offers a full schedule of festivals perfect for any season.
Sponsored Content
Enter to Win $500 and Get Six Months’ Free Access to the New GT App
Now through May 8, sign up for a free six-month trial of the Global Traveler app and be automatically entered for a chance to win a $500 gift card of your choice for Amazon, Apple or American Express.
Daily
Mar 21, 20234 Lesser-Known Museums to Add to Your Madrid Trip
With some of the world’s most iconic artists hailing from Spain, narrowing down which museum to visit when in Madrid can be challenging. Often, the fun of visiting a museum goes away when feeling pressured to see absolutely every famous work of art in a museum. Instead of venturing to one of Madrid’s larger and more well-known museums, choose one of these lesser-known museums for an equally enriching (and less-crowded) experience:
Daily
Mar 21, 20237 Hotels Prepare to Celebrate the Coronation in London, Ireland, Scotland
The coronation of King Charles III will be held Saturday, May 6, and seven hotels around London, Ireland and Scotland will get in on the festivities with different offers and amenities.
Daily
Mar 20, 2023Luxury La Casa del Playa, Riviera Maya, Opens Estero Restaurant to Guests, Area Visitors
The 2-year-old La Casa de la Playa, an exclusive, award-winning luxury boutique hotel by Grupo Xcaret, recently announced the opening of its signature Estero restaurant to the general public.
Blue Zone Culinary Tour of Sardinia
Daily
Mar 20, 20235 Great Hotel Terraces and Rooftops
Daily
Mar 17, 2023Daily
Mar 16, 2023Wellness, Wildlife & Scenery at Alaska’s Tutka Bay Lodge
Within the Wild Adventure Company, a transformative adventure company in Alaska, ushers in a new vision for its hospitality offerings. Celebrating 40 years in south-central Alaska, with founders Carl and Kirsten Dixon at the helm, the mutigeneration-run company now focuses on a series of new adventure and wellness programs at its Tutka Bay Lodge, including the addition of a luxury-focused collection of hospitality services to add to its already outstanding reputation in Alaska.
Sponsored Content
Exclusive Savings: Cruise Along the Danube River with Global Traveler
Exclusive Sailing with Global Traveler
March 2023
Mar 16, 2023Arctic Adventure: Embark on an Eco-Friendly Expedition in Greenland
Is Greenland really green?
ShareThis