Each year in the UK, thousands of people are diagnosed with viral hepatitis, and chronic hepatitis B remains a recognised cause of serious liver disease. Yet many people are still unsure how hepatitis A and hepatitis B actually differ.
They are often grouped together in travel and vaccination advice, especially when discussing the hepatitis A and B vaccines, but they spread in different ways and carry different long-term risks. Understanding the distinction can help you spot hepatitis A symptoms early and make informed decisions about vaccination and the possible side effects of hepatitis A and B vaccines.
What is the difference between hepatitis A and hepatitis B?
Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B both affect the liver, but they differ clearly in transmission, duration, and long-term risk.
Hepatitis A is mainly caught through contaminated food or water or close contact with someone infected. It is often linked to travel and outbreaks related to hygiene. It does not cause chronic liver disease, and most people recover fully.
Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood and bodily fluids. This includes unprotected sex, sharing needles, or mother-to-baby transmission during birth. Unlike hepatitis A, it can become a long-term infection. The NHS confirms that chronic hepatitis B increases the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer, which makes early vaccination and risk assessment important.
| Category | Hepatitis A | Hepatitis B |
| Main route of infection | Food, water, close contact | Blood and bodily fluids |
| Typical risk factors | Travel, poor sanitation, household contact | Sexual exposure, needle sharing, occupational blood exposure |
| Infection length | Short-term only | Short-term or lifelong |
| Risk of chronic disease | No | Yes |
| Risk of liver cancer | Extremely rare | Increased risk if chronic |
| Vaccine protection | Single vaccine or combined hepatitis A and B vaccine | Single vaccine or combined hepatitis A and B vaccine |
What are the common hepatitis A symptoms?
Hepatitis A symptoms usually appear a few weeks after infection and often resolve within a couple of months.
Early symptoms of hepatitis A
Many people experience the following:
- Feeling unusually tired.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Loss of appetite.
- A high temperature.
- Abdominal pain, especially on the right side.
Later signs affecting the liver
As the liver becomes inflamed, you may notice:
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes.
- Dark urine.
- Pale stools.
- Itchy skin.
Some people, especially young children, may have very mild symptoms or none at all.
What are the symptoms of hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B symptoms can be similar at first, but the long-term risks are different.
Short-term symptoms
In the early stage, symptoms may include:
- Fatigue.
- Flu-like symptoms.
- Nausea.
- Abdominal discomfort.
- Jaundice.
Some adults clear the virus naturally within a few months.
Risk of chronic infection
In some people, particularly babies and young children, the infection can become chronic. Chronic Hepatitis B may not cause obvious symptoms for years but can silently damage the liver over time.
This is why screening, vaccination, and regular monitoring are important for those at risk.
How is the hepatitis A and B vaccine used in the UK?
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent both infections.
The hepatitis A and B vaccine is available separately or as a combined hepatitis A and B vaccine. The combined vaccine is often recommended for:
- Travellers to higher-risk countries.
- Healthcare or laboratory workers.
- People at occupational risk of blood exposure.
- Those with certain medical conditions.
What is the hepatitis A & B vaccine schedule?
The hepatitis A & B vaccine is usually given as a course of injections over several months. An accelerated schedule may be available for last-minute travel.
Our pharmacists will review your travel plans, medical history, and previous vaccinations before recommending the right schedule.
Hepatitis A and B Vaccine Side Effects
Most people tolerate the hepatitis A and B vaccine well, and serious reactions are rare.
Common side effects of hepatitis A and B vaccines
You may experience:
- Soreness or redness at the injection site.
- Mild fever.
- Headache.
- Tiredness.
These side effects of hepatitis A and B vaccines usually settle within a few days.
When should you seek advice?
If you develop a high fever or signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face or difficulty breathing, you should seek urgent medical help. This is very uncommon but requires prompt attention.
Who should consider vaccination against hepatitis A or B?
Vaccination is recommended for people at increased risk due to travel, occupation, lifestyle, or underlying health conditions.
You may benefit from the hepatitis A and B vaccine if you:
- Are travelling outside Western Europe, North America, or Australasia.
- Work in healthcare, prisons, or emergency services.
- Have a partner or household contact with hepatitis B.
- Inject drugs or are at risk of blood exposure.
A personalised risk assessment with one of our pharmacists can help ensure the vaccine is appropriate and timed correctly.
Where can you get trusted advice and vaccination locally?
Clear, evidence-based guidance ensures you are protected before potential exposure.
At Touchwood Pharmacy, our pharmacists provide travel risk assessments; vaccination courses, including the hepatitis A & B vaccines; and advice on possible side effects. We follow UK guidance and personalise recommendations to your health history and travel plans.
Book your appointment with our experts at Touchwood Pharmacy for hepatitis A and B vaccinations and personalised travel health advice.
FAQs
Is hepatitis A or hepatitis B more serious?
Hepatitis B is generally more serious because it can become a long-term infection and increase the risk of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. Hepatitis A is usually short-term and does not cause chronic liver disease.
Can you get hepatitis A and hepatitis B at the same time?
Yes, it is possible to be infected with both viruses, although this is uncommon. This is why the combined hepatitis A and B vaccine is recommended for people at higher risk, such as travellers and healthcare workers.
How long does protection from the hepatitis A and B vaccine last?
Protection after a full hepatitis A and B vaccine course is long-lasting. Hepatitis B protection can last for decades, and hepatitis A protection may last at least 20 years in healthy individuals.
Do I need the hepatitis A and B vaccine for travel?
You may need the hepatitis A and B vaccine if you are travelling to parts of Africa, Asia, South America, or Eastern Europe where these infections are more common. A pharmacist can assess your destination and personal risk.
What are the side effects of hepatitis A and B vaccines in adults?
Common side effects of hepatitis A and B vaccines in adults include arm soreness, mild fever, headache, and tiredness. Serious allergic reactions are very rare but require urgent medical attention.
Can I have the hepatitis A and B vaccine if I am pregnant?
The hepatitis A and B vaccine can be given during pregnancy if there is a clear risk of exposure. Our pharmacist will assess the benefits and risks based on your travel plans or occupational exposure.
