Hepatitis A is mainly contracted by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. It can also spread through poor hygiene, close contact with an infected person, travel to high-risk areas, or sharing contaminated needles.

Symptoms can include tiredness, fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dark urine, pale stools, joint pain and jaundice, which causes yellowing of the skin and eyes.

Hepatitis A usually clears on its own without specific treatment. Rest, fluids and supportive care can help with recovery. Severe symptoms should always be assessed by a healthcare professional.

Hepatitis A can be prevented through vaccination, good hand hygiene, safe food and water practices, and avoiding close contact with infected individuals. Vaccination is recommended for many travellers visiting higher-risk destinations.

Hepatitis A is more common in areas with poor sanitation, including parts of Africa, Asia and South America. Risk can vary by destination, so Thame Travel Clinic can advise whether vaccination is recommended for your trip.