Hepatitis A is primarily transmitted through contaminated food and water, following what is known as the fecal-oral route. This means that individuals carrying the virus in their feces can contaminate food during preparation, mainly due to poor personal hygiene practices. Additionally, close intimate contact with an infected person can also lead to Hepatitis A transmission. Surprisingly, even consuming filter-feeding shellfish, such as mussels, that have been exposed to untreated sewage can result in acquiring the virus.
Hepatitis A vaccines, such as Havrix MonoDose, Vaqta, and Avaxim, are considered safe and effective, with adverse events being infrequent. These vaccines are inactivated, meaning they cannot cause the disease they aim to protect against. However, like any vaccine, there may be some mild side effects.
Common side effects may include soreness or redness at the injection site, mild fever, headache, or fatigue. These symptoms are usually temporary and should resolve within a few days. In most cases, managing them with over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or applying a cold compress to reduce swelling at the injection site is sufficient.
Ensure that the water you consume, even for brushing your teeth, is safe. Trusted sources of water include bottled water from reliable suppliers, boiled and cooled water, water treated with chlorine, or filtered and treated water.
Regularly washing your hands is crucial, especially before eating food and after visiting the bathroom. Proper hand hygiene is a simple yet effective measure to prevent the spread of Hepatitis A and other infectious diseases.
Be cautious about the food and beverages you consume. Ensure that your food is thoroughly cooked and piping hot before eating it, and avoid consuming ice in your drinks. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid salads and only eat fruits that require peeling, as these practices can minimise the risk of consuming contaminated food.
