Hepatitis A Isn’t Just a Travel Bug—Here’s How the Vaccine Protects You

By Barbara Young, PharmD

Did you know that there is a vaccine that can protect you and your family from serious liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus? Here are 5 facts you should know about the hepatitis A vaccine.

1. 1. Hepatitis A causes serious liver infections.

   Infection with the hepatis A virus can cause serious liver disease. Symptoms include tiredness, lack of appetite, stomach pain, nausea, and jaundice (yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, light-colored bowel movements). The symptoms are more likely to occur in older children and adults, with jaundice occurring in most people. Children younger than 6 years of age can be infected but not have any symptoms.
    

2. 2. There is no specific medication for treatment of hepatitis A infection.

   Most people feel sick for up to 2 months, but some people may continue to have symptoms for up to 6 months. In rare cases, usually in older adults, hepatitis A can cause liver failure and death. Older adults are at risk of more serious liver conditions. Treatment is mostly to address symptoms – rest, hydration, and management of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Acetaminophen and alcohol should be avoided during this time as they can cause further harm to the liver.
    

3. 3. The hepatitis A virus is easily spread.

   The hepatitis A virus is spread to others by the feces (poop) of an infected individual entering the mouth of another person. This may occur from eating contaminated food or drink, touching soiled surfaces, having close person to person or sexual contact, and poor handwashing hygiene. Hepatitis A occurs worldwide and is especially common in developing countries. Although infections are lower in the US due to improved sanitation and food safety practices, certain groups of people are at risk. These higher risk groups include illegal drug users, homeless individuals, international travelers, men who have sex with men, incarcerated people, and those who work in laboratories with hepatitis A virus samples.
    

4. 4. Vaccination is the best way to prevent infection with the hepatitis A virus.

   After the hepatitis A vaccine became available, cases of in the US fell by over 90%. However, outbreaks still occur among unvaccinated individuals. Current recommendations for those to receive the hepatitis A vaccine include children, unvaccinated high-risk adults, and those with HIV or liver disease that are susceptible to severe illness. Vaccination not only protects those receiving the vaccine but also reduces the spread of the virus to others in the community.
    

5. 5. The hepatitis A vaccine is well tolerated.

   Individuals receiving the vaccine generally experience only mild side effects. Fever, headache, pain at the site of injection, and dizziness have been reported.

If you have questions about receiving this vaccine, it is important to ask your pharmacist or physician. Getting vaccinated is an important action to prevent infection with the hepatitis A virus for you and your loved ones.