Hepatitis A is a highly infectious virus that can cause, short term inflammation of the liver. The virus is usually transmitted through food or water contaminated by human faeces (poo) or by direct contact with an infectious person. Hepatitis A is rare in the UK with most cases occurring in travellers who have recently visited countries where the disease is common.

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Vaccination against hepatitis A is not routinely offered in the UK because the risk of infection is low for most people.

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Most cases of hepatitis A result in mild symptoms but can be more severe for those who have a weakened immune system. Symptoms can include: a mild fever, itchy rash, an upset tummy, fatigue and loss of appetite or nausea.

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Symptoms usually disappear within a few days to weeks and cause no long-term damage to the liver. In rare cases, some individuals may develop more serious symptoms which can cause the liver to stop functioning properly. Those that recover from hepatitis A illness will develop lifelong immunity.

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2 doses of a hepatitis A containing vaccine is usually needed to develop long term protection against the virus.