New Hepatitis A leaflet from the British Liver Trust

Posted on: 26th July 2017

A new free leaflet from The British Liver Trust highlights the common causes of hepatitis A - a highly infectious virus with information about:

  • travelling to areas where the virus is more common
  • injecting drugs (including steroids)
  • family and social contact high risk
  • unprotected sex – for hepatitis A especially oral/anal sex
  • work and environment

Andrew Langford, Chief Executive, British Liver Trust said “Although relatively uncommon in the UK there are many countries where people are now travelling, especially during this holiday period, where they may come into contact with the virus; either with someone who has the virus or through contaminated food or drink.”

Hepatitis A virus infects the cells in the liver, causing inflammation (swelling and tenderness).  Normally it is a self-limiting condition (it will clear up on its own with no long-term effect).

The British Liver Trust highly recommends that anyone at potential risk should be vaccinated for hepatitis A.

Although there is the vaccine also ensure you:

  • Practise good hygiene
  • Avoid drinking untreated water including ice cubes, and use bottled water to brush your teeth
  • Avoid unpasteurised milk, cheese, ice cream and other dairy products
  • Avoid any pre-prepared or under cooked foods
  • Have safer sex – use a condom or a dental dam, for hepatitis A avoid oral/anal routes of potential transmission
  • Never share needles or snorting equipment for drugs / steroids

You can download your free Hepatitis A leaflet here