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Hepatitis A (infectious hepatitis)
Infection
The virus is found in the intestine and infects through water and food contaminated by sewage.
Vaccination
Vaccination or gammaglobulin?
The vaccine protects for at least 25 years probably life long, and has few side effects.
Gammaglobulin is obsolete.
The vaccine against heaptis A contains inactivated hepatitis A virus.
One vaccination protects up to 1 year, and a second vaccination after 6 to 12 months protects for 25 years probably lifelong.
Vaccination against hepatitis A can be combined with vaccination against hepatitis B. This requires 2 vaccinations with at least 4 weeks in between before there is protection against both infections.
Symptoms
Tiredness, jaundice and sometimes fever.
Diagnosis
Antibodies against hepatitis A can be found in a blood sample.
Treatment
Supportive only. No specific antiviral drugs available.
Prevention
Vaccination. Be careful with food and drink. See how to protect yourselves against diarrhoea and infection with hepatitis A.
Further information:W.H.O. – Hepatitis
Edited 10 December 2008
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