Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver which is transmitted primarily by contaminated food and water. Though this is not very prevalent in the UK, the infection is still prevalent in a number of areas in the world, so vaccination is a crucial aspect of travel health. The surest method of protection is having the Hepatitis A virus vaccine if you are intending to travel overseas or you are the most vulnerable.

We provide Hepatitis A vaccination in Oldfield Pharmacy in Manchester, where it is safe, quick, and easy to take the vaccination against any person who needs it or is at high-risk. This information guide tells you all you need to know regarding Hepatitis A, how it is contracted as well as spread, who should be vaccinated, its lifespan, the symptoms, the treatment facilities and how to make your booking at our Manchester travelling clinic.

What Is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a short term but potentially serious liver infection brought about by a virus known as Hepatitis A virus (HAV). This virus attacks the liver causing inflammation, fatigue, digestive symptoms and in a few instances, jaundice.

Hepatitis A does not develop to be chronic, like Hepatitis B and C. The majority of individuals are able to recuperate after several months but the symptoms may be so intense as to interfere with normal lives or vacation plans.

The virus is common in sections of: although the UK records low rates of infections.

• Africa
• Central and South America
• South Asia
• The Middle East
• Eastern Europe

In the event that you are travelling to such destinations, it is highly advisable that you at least have the Hepatitis A vaccine done in Manchester before travelling.

How Hepatitis A Spreads

The transmission of Hepatitis A is faecal-oral, that is, the virus appears in the stool of a person who is infected. You can catch it when:

• The water that you drink is not treated or safe.
• You take uncooked or raw food that is washed in dirty water.
• You take food touched by an unsanitary person.
• You have physical contact with an infected individual.
• Unprotected sexual intercourse.
• You use drugs by sharing needles.

Since the virus is very easy to transmit in areas that do not have high standards of sanitation, the risk to travellers is greatly high. This is why the hepatitis A virus vaccine has been deemed as a core travel vaccine.

Tips: Travel Health Risk Before travelling, always check the travel health risk of your destination. The company TravelHealthPro offers official country-related advice.

Who Should Get the Hepatitis A Vaccine?

The general risk of hepatitis A in the UK is not high and therefore the vaccine is not provided as a routine. But there are a number of categories that are highly advised to be vaccinated:

1. Travellers

In case you are visiting countries with high rates of Hepatitis A like Africa, Asia, Middle East or South America, then you should be vaccinated. Even the food or drinks that may appear clean can be contaminated. Travellers are easily exposed even without their knowledge. One vaccine is also a sure way to protect yourself during your trip.

2. People with Close Contact Exposure

Getting into physical contact with an individual diagnosed with Hepatitis A makes you prone to the risk of contracting the disease. The virus is transmitted easily via common areas and surfaces and poor hygiene. The vaccination can be done in a short period of time so as to prevent the infection. To vaccinate early is to save yourself and people in your circle.

3. People with Medical Risks

The vaccination should be carried out on anyone with long-term liver disease, blood-clotting disorders such as hemophilia or a weakened immune system. These complications complicate and increase the severity of Hepatitis A and make it more difficult to overcome. Immunisation also decreases the complication and offers long term protection. It is among the most preventive measures to high-risk people.

4. Occupational Risk Groups

Workers who come into contact with infected waste materials, body fluids or clinical samples must be vaccinated. These are the healthcare workers, sewage workers, laboratory workers and social care workers. The nature of their work is prone to increased exposure. Vaccination provides needed protection.

How the Hepatitis A Vaccine Works

The Hepatitis A vaccine conditions your immune system to identify and attack the virus, before it can cause you to be ill. It is safe, effective and extensively applied to travel health.

Vaccines are of two categories:

• Hepatitis A single antigen vaccine.
• Tetanus, Hepatitis A, and Typhoid.

Both alternatives cover you under Hepatitis A. The pharmacist in your travel clinic will help you to choose the most appropriate one depending on where you are going and what medical history you have.

Hepatitis A Vaccine — How Long Does It Last?

It is one of the most frequent questions that are posed by travellers:

Hepatitis a vaccine – duration of effect?

Here’s the simple breakdown:

• Protection is maintained up to 1 year following 1 dose.
• After a booster (2nd dose) given 6–12 months later, immunity can last 20–30 years, and in many cases, for life.

In case you have already got the vaccine a few years ago, but you are not certain about your immunity, go to Oldfield Pharmacy in Manchester and get advice and a check-up against the vaccination.

Other Ways to Reduce Your Risk When Travelling

In addition to your vaccine, you should practice simple hygiene:

• Thoroughly wash hands prior to eating.
• Consume bottled and sealed water only.
• Stopped street food in risky nations.
• Do not eat uncooked fruits and vegetables unless you can peel them yourself.
• Shellfish and raw seafood should be avoided.
• Wear dental dams or condoms when having sex.

These measures are used to minimize exposures, particularly where prevalence of outbreak occurs.

Symptoms of Hepatitis A

The symptoms normally manifest themselves between 2 and 4 weeks following exposure. They can begin mildly, but progressively grow more prominent.

Common symptoms include:

• High temperature
• Flu-like (worn out, aches in the body, headache)
• Feeling sick or vomiting
• Abdominal pains above right.
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Pale, greyish stools
• Dark yellow or brown urine
• Itchy skin or hives
• Jaundice (yellowing of eyes and skin)

A significant number of children which can be not only asymptomatic but also some adults can be this way, thus, making it possible to be the spreaders of the virus without even knowing it.

When to See a GP

Consult a doctor when you have characteristics and:

• I moved to a risky country recently.
• Had a close encounter with a Hepatitis A patient.
• Suffers a blood-clotting disorder.
• Are a man who has sex with men
• Have used shared needles
• Work in a high-risk job

Symptoms can be managed through early advice and prevented.

Treatment for Hepatitis A

No antiviral therapy of Hepatitis A exists.

The infection typically resolves itself in 3-6 months.

Doctors may prescribe:

• Painkillers (with modified doses as required)
• Anti-nausea medication
• Antihistamines for itching

You might also require liver functioning tests to make sure that your liver is healing well.

How Long Are You Infectious?

The duration of your infectiousness is usually:

• Or 7 days following the jaundice, OR
• 7 days after onset (in the absence of jaundice)

This is the reason why it is advisable to remain isolated and maintain adequate hygiene at this stage.

Do’s and Don’ts If You Have Hepatitis A

Do

• Rest and stay hydrated
• Isolate oneself for 7 days.
• Take painkillers recommended by the doctor.
• Keep your room ventilated
• Wash hands after visiting the toilet.

Don’t

• Drink alcohol
• Prepare food for others
• Share needles
• Infect others in time before you get over it.

Get Your Hepatitis A Vaccine in Manchester 

To protect yourself in the closest future or just to belong to the higher risk category, the safest and most convenient method of safeguarding yourself is to get a Hepatitis A vaccine at Oldfield Pharmacy Manchester.

Why choose Oldfield Pharmacy?

• Last minute and same-day travel vaccine appointments.
• Medicinal travel expertise.
• Manchester is a convenient location.
• Experienced vaccination-trained pharmacy staff.
• Low prices of a private travel clinic.

You are either in need of a first dose, booster or a combined Hepatitis A + Typhoid vaccine and our team would show you the best alternative depending on your destination location.

Book Your Hepatitis A Vaccination Today

Guard thyself prior to journey.

To make the appointment in Oldfield Pharmacy, Manchester, please, click here:

    Book Hepatitis A Vaccine – Oldfield Pharmacy.

Due to the proper vaccinations, staying safe abroad begins.

Be prepared, be safe and be a confident traveler.