The word hepatitis simply means inflammation of the liver cells. There are many causes of hepatitis, but viral infections such as hepatitis A and hepatitis B are two of the most common. Hepatitis A is transmitted via the faecal-oral route and is associated with poor sanitation and hand hygiene. Hepatitis B is usually transmitted sexually, although it can be passed on with multi-use needles abroad that have not been sterilised properly. Hepatitis B is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. Hepatitis travel vaccination prior to leaving the UK can give you peace of mind that you will not become infected with either virus during your trip.
Hepatitis symptoms can mimic the flu. From headaches, joint pain, nausea and diarrhoea, getting hepatitis on holiday is certainly something you want to avoid. Because hepatitis damages the liver, your skin can become yellow, or jaundiced, as the liver struggles to get rid of waste products in the body.
Hepatitis treatment is usually supportive, including rest, a high calorie diet and intravenous fluids in hospital. Hepatitis A can last for around two months, and hepatitis B for up to four months. Occasionally, hepatitis can lead to chronic scarring of the liver, known as cirrhosis, which requires lifelong monitoring. Prevention is better than cure, and attending for the hepatitis A vaccine and hepatitis B vaccine may be the best decision you ever make.
Hepatitis Vaccination Sydenham
Located on Sydenham Road, our travel clinic is convenient and we offer appointment times to suit you. We aim to be accessible to all, so every vaccine is competitively priced and we are able to offer additional travel vaccines ranging from yellow fever to rabies. Our vaccine specialists are on hand to offer up to date clinical advice on all vaccines including the hepatitis travel vaccinations. We can also help with other aspects of your travel health including mosquito and insect repellents. For a full service under one roof, trust Touchwood Pharmacy in Sydenham.
Call us today to book your appointment.
