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Hepatitis Awareness when Traveling

Contributed by: Sarah J Gripka, Pharm.D. Candidate

KU School of Pharmacy

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Text Box: What is Hepatitis? Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver caused by a virus. There are currently 5 strains of Hepatitis viruses including; Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. All 5 of the viruses can cause acute or short term hepatitis, while a few can also cause chronic hepatitis sometimes even lifelong. Transmission of the virus varies from fecal-oral transmission to bodily fluids. The virus that we are focusing on during travel is Hepatitis A and it is a virus that results in acute hepatitis which will typically be short lived and resolve itself. Why Should I Worry When I Travel? Hepatitis A is commonly spread through food or water that has been contaminated with feces of an infected person. If you are traveling to the lesser-developed nations of Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Central or South America there is a greater risk for being infected by contaminated food or water. Also if you are visiting any of these areas for an extended period of time your chances of getting the virus increase. The incidence of Hepatitis A is directly related to poor sanitary conditions and hygienic practices. What Symptoms Will I Have If I Get Hepatitis A? Typical Hepatitis A cases are shown to have several weeks of the following symptoms: · Fatigue · Fever/Headache · Anorexia · Nausea/Abdominal Pain · Vomiting · Diarrhea · Elevated Liver Enzymes · Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes) The virus is usually a self-limiting illness that lasts less than two months, and while it is not

Text Box: often a fatal virus it does cause a significant illness. Treatment is generally supportive in nature focusing mostly on keeping the infected person well hydrated. How Can I Protect Myself Against Hepatitis A? There are currently two Hepatitis A vaccines that you can receive to protect yourself from the virus when traveling. Havrix® and Vaqta® are intramuscular injections that when given one month prior to travel can give up to 90% immunity to Hepatitis A. You can also receive booster shots six months following the initial immunization if you are planning to travel for an extended time period. If you are planning to travel abroad in the near future talk with your health care provider to see if the Hepatitis A vaccine is appropriate for you. Other ways to protect yourself when traveling are to practice good hygiene, washing your hands frequently, and to avoid tap water when traveling internationally. It may be necessary to carry hand sanitizer and bottled water with you on your vacation. For more information visit: The American Liver Foundation at www.liverfoundation.org The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/hepatitis