What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is a condition of the liver. Most often, it is caused by a virus, but it can also be caused by toxic substances or autoimmune illnesses. Hepatitis can lead to fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis and cancer.
There are five types of hepatitis and they are known as types A, B, C, D, and E. Hep types A and E are typically spread through ingesting contaminated food or water. Hep types C and D are typically spread through contact with infected body fluids that are ingested by way other than mouth or intestinally. Hep type B typically is transmitted from mother to baby at birth, from family member to child or via sexual contact.
What are the symptoms of Hepatitis?
You can be acutely infected with Hepatitis with limited or even no symptoms. However, such common symptoms may include:
- Jaundice (yellowing of eyes and skin)
- Dark urine
- Extreme fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
Who should have the Hepatitis Vaccine?
If you are travelling to a country where any type of Hepatitis is endemic. Or if you are engaging in risky behaviour. Here is a short overview:
Hep A – S. America, Africa, Russia, Asia
Hep B – Asia, Africa S. America, Caribbean
Hep C – there is no vaccine for Hep C. You can become infected if you come in contact with the blood of an infected person.
Hep D – this is a secondary infection to Hep B. There is no vaccine for this type of Hepatitis. Vaccine against Hep B is the only protection against Hep D.
Hep E – there is currently no vaccine against this type of Hepatitis outside of China.
Vaccine Effectiveness
According to the World Health Organisation, the Hepatitis A vaccine is between 98% and 100% effective against the virus. The Hepatitis B vaccine is between 94% and 100% effective.
Who should not have the vaccine?
- If you have had an allergic reaction after a previous dose or any component of the Hepatitis B vaccine.
- If you have an allergic reaction to yeast
- If you have an allergic reaction to neomycin (only if you receive Twinrix vaccine)
Anna Pharmacy now has the Hepatitis A and B vaccines available for your protection, and we can provide your Hepatitis vaccines in Carshalton, Sutton, Hackbridge, Wallington or Croydon.
