In short: Hepatitis A is a viral liver infection usually caught from food or water contaminated with an infected person's faeces, or through close contact with someone who has it. It does not cause long-term liver disease, but it can make adults unwell for weeks and is occasionally severe. It is more common where sanitation is poor, and an effective vaccine is recommended for many travellers to those areas, alongside careful food, water and hand hygiene.

This guide, written by a Ready Health prescribing pharmacist and based on UKHSA, NaTHNaC (TravelHealthPro) and NHS guidance, explains how hepatitis A spreads, its symptoms and who should consider vaccination before travel.

What is hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV), which inflames the liver. The virus is passed out in the faeces of an infected person and spreads by the faecal-oral route, for example through:

eating food prepared by someone with the infection who has not washed their hands properly
drinking contaminated water, or ice made from it
eating raw or undercooked shellfish from contaminated water
eating contaminated fresh or frozen produce, such as berries
close household or sexual contact with an infected person

Where is hepatitis A a risk?

Hepatitis A occurs worldwide but is most common where sanitation and food hygiene are poor, including the Indian subcontinent, sub-Saharan and North Africa, parts of the Far East, the Middle East, and South and Central America. Outbreaks also occur in higher-income countries: in 2026, TravelHealthPro reported outbreaks linked to seafood in Italy and to imported frozen berries in Sweden.

What are the symptoms of hepatitis A?

Symptoms usually appear around four weeks after infection (the range is roughly two to seven weeks). Young children often have mild or no symptoms, while most adults become noticeably unwell. Symptoms can include:

tiredness, fever and aching
loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and tummy pain
yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
dark urine, pale stools and itchy skin

Most people recover fully within two months, although some feel tired for longer. Hepatitis A does not become chronic. Rarely, particularly in older adults or people with existing liver disease, it can cause liver failure. People are most infectious in the two weeks before symptoms start and the first week after jaundice appears.

If you develop symptoms during or after travel, see your GP and mention where you have been. Avoid preparing food for others until you have been advised it is safe.

How can I prevent hepatitis A when travelling?

Wash your hands with soap and water after using the toilet and before eating or preparing food. Alcohol gel is less effective against this virus.
Drink bottled water with an intact seal, or water that has been boiled or properly treated.
Avoid ice unless you know it is made from safe water.
Choose freshly cooked food served piping hot, and peel fruit yourself.
Be cautious with raw shellfish, salads and street food where hygiene is uncertain.

Who should consider the hepatitis A vaccine?

UK guidance suggests vaccination for travellers to areas where hepatitis A is common, especially those who are:

staying with or visiting friends and relatives
travelling frequently or for long periods, or backpacking
going to outbreak areas with limited safe water and medical care
working in healthcare, sanitation or humanitarian roles

Vaccination is also recommended for some people regardless of travel, including those with chronic liver disease or haemophilia, men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, and certain workers at occupational risk.

How does the hepatitis A vaccine work?

Vaccine type	Usual course	Notes
Hepatitis A only	One dose, then a second dose usually 6–12 months later	Interval varies slightly between products and ages
Combined hepatitis A and B	Two or three doses depending on age and product	Useful if protection against both is recommended

A single dose gives good short-term protection, ideally given at least two weeks before travel, although it is still worth having closer to departure. A completed two-dose course is expected to protect for at least 25 years and probably for life. UKHSA advises a further dose at 25 years only for people who remain at risk. People with a weakened immune system may need specialist advice.

Vaccine can also be given to close contacts of a case, ideally within two weeks of exposure, to help prevent infection.

Frequently asked questions

How long before travel should I have the hepatitis A vaccine?

Ideally at least two weeks before you go, but a dose given closer to departure is still recommended because the incubation period is long.

Do I need a second dose?

Yes, for long-term protection. The second dose is usually given 6–12 months after the first, but it can be given later without restarting the course.

Is hepatitis A the same as hepatitis B?

No. Hepatitis A spreads mainly through contaminated food and water and does not become chronic. Hepatitis B spreads through blood and body fluids and can cause long-term liver disease.

Can children have the hepatitis A vaccine?

Yes, from one year of age, using paediatric doses. A clinician will advise whether it is recommended for your child's trip.

Key takeaways

Hepatitis A spreads through contaminated food, water and close contact.
It does not become chronic but can cause weeks of illness in adults.
Vaccination is recommended for many travellers to areas with poor sanitation.
Two doses give protection expected to last at least 25 years.
Good hand, food and water hygiene remain important.

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed: October 2026 by Shamir Patel, Independent Prescribing Pharmacist, Ready Health. This article is general information and does not replace advice from your own clinician.

Planning a trip where hepatitis A is common? Ready Health in Standish offers travel health consultations for people in Wigan, Chorley, Horwich and Bolton. Find out more about our hepatitis A vaccination service, where a clinician will assess your trip and advise what is suitable. Book a travel health consultation or call 01257 676001.