What does hepatitis A mean in travellers?

Hepatitis A may be acquired when food or drinking water is contaminated, or when hand hygiene is poor. Symptoms can begin after returning home and may include fever, nausea, loss of appetite, tiredness, abdominal discomfort, yellowing of the eyes or skin and dark urine. Some people have mild symptoms, so feeling generally unwell after travel still deserves attention. The infection affects the liver and can be passed to others before a person realises what is happening.

Discuss hepatitis A vaccination with a clinician before departure; timing depends on your itinerary, health and previous doses. During travel, choose safe drinking water, avoid ice or food of uncertain hygiene, eat food that is thoroughly cooked and served hot, and wash hands with soap after toilet use and before eating. If soap and water are unavailable, carry an appropriate hand-cleaning product, while remembering that it does not replace washing when hands are visibly dirty.

Contact a clinician promptly if you develop vomiting, yellowing skin or eyes, dark urine, significant abdominal pain, dehydration or unusual drowsiness during or after travel. Tell the clinician where you travelled and when symptoms began. Seek urgent help for confusion, inability to drink or a rapidly worsening condition. If you were exposed to someone with hepatitis A, ask for advice even if you feel well.

Ask whether vaccination is recommended for your destination, whether your medical conditions alter the plan, what to do after a possible exposure, and when symptoms should be assessed after returning.