At Coolangatta Medical Centre in Gold Coast, we work with you to ensure we address all your health needs and concerns including preventative methods such as hepatitis A vaccines to keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy.
What is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a disease caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV) which creates inflammation of the liver that can lead to mild or severe illness. Learn more about the disease, its causes, and differences from other hepatitis types (like hepatitis B), and why getting vaccinations can help keep everyone safe.
Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It infects the body’s liver cells that leads to inflammation, and affects how your liver works, causing other symptoms. Virus transmission occurs when an uninfected (and unvaccinated) person has ingested contaminated food and water, inadequate sanitation, poor personal hygiene, or has direct contact with an infectious person.
What are the symptoms?
The incubation period of hepatitis A can span between 14–28 days after contracting the virus. Between those two to five weeks, symptoms will begin to appear, as the virus replicates in your body. When the virus has replicated enough to register as a threat to your immune system, your body will begin attacking it causing between mild to severe symptoms such as:
- Fever
- Malaise
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea
- Itchy skin
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal discomfort
- Dark-coloured urine
- Jaundice
The symptoms can last as long as it takes for your immune system to get rid of the virus. It takes at least a few weeks.1 Most people can recover within two months. However in a few cases, some people can also experience symptoms up to 6 months and even have a relapse after recovery. Fortunately, hepatitis A does not lead to any long-term health complications.
Why is the Hepatitis A Vaccine Important in Australia?
The hepatitis A virus (HAV) is one of the most common vaccine-preventable infections acquired during travel.2 Travel-related cases of hepatitis A can occur in travellers who are visiting developed as well as developing countries who even have standard tourist accommodations, eating behaviours, and itineraries.
For both travellers and certain populations in Australia, the risk is even greater for those who live in or visit rural areas, trek in backcountry areas, or frequently eat or drink within environments with poor sanitation.
Hepatitis A is contagious and can be transmitted through ingesting contaminated food and water or through direct contact with an infectious person. Getting the hepatitis A vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect you from the disease. It not only ensures your safety and well-being, but is also an act of travelling responsibly to prevent outbreaks in communities and countries during your visit.
Coolangatta Medical Centre: Your Source for Hepatitis A Vaccination
Coolangatta Medical Centre is your trusted healthcare provider for hepatitis A vaccinations in Gold Coast, Australia. Our team of experienced doctors offers many holistic health services and specialises in travel medicine, ensuring you receive comprehensive care and advice for your next trip. From expert guidance and vaccination services, trust us to safeguard your health and offer consultation that’s tailored to your health needs.
Hepatitis A vs. Hepatitis B: Understanding the Difference
Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B are two different types of viral hepatitis. Hepatitis B, caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV), is another viral infection that affects the liver. Knowing the differences can help your healthcare professional better assess which type of hepatitis you may have to better manage symptoms.
Hepatitis Type | A | B |
Transmission methods | Ingesting contaminated food or water Inadequate sanitation Poor hygiene Direct or any sexual contact | Exposure to bodily fluids from a person with HBV Direct or any sexual contact with a person with HBV Sharing needles Infected at birth |
Symptoms | Fever Malaise Loss of appetite Diarrhoea Itchy skin Nausea Vomiting Abdominal discomfort Dark-coloured urine Jaundice | Fever Malaise Joint pain Fatigue Nausea Vomiting Abdominal discomfort Dark-coloured urine Jaundice |
Vaccination schedules | For infants (2-dose series): Starting from 1 year of age or older, followed by a second shot between 6 to 18 months after the first dose. For adults (2-dose series): Depending on the brand of vaccine, adults can get their shot at 0 and 6 to 12 months (Havrix), or 0 and 6 to 18 months (Vaqta). | The hepatitis B vaccine is usually given as 2, 3, or 4* shots. For infants: First dose at birth followed by a second dose at 6–18 months of age. For adults: The vaccine is given in 3 doses. After the first dose, a second dose is given 1 month later. This is followed by a third dose 6 months after the second dose. *Consult with your healthcare professional if you require a 4th dose for added protection. |
Long-term effects | No long-term health effects | Cirrhosis (permanent liver damage) |
