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Hepatitis A

What is it?
Hepatitis is a virus that inflames the liver. There are several viruses that can cause hepatitis; these include hepatitis A, B and C.

Symptoms
Some people may have no symptoms, but they can still pass on the virus. Symptoms may include:

• A short, flu-like illness.
• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Diarrhoea.
• Loss of appetite.
• Weight loss.
• Jaundice (yellow tinge to eyes and skin).

• Itchy skin.

How do people get it?
The hepatitis A virus is found in faeces (poo) and can be passed on:

• If the virus comes into contact with a person’s mouth through such things as rimming (where a person uses their mouth and tongue to stimulate another person’s anus).
• Sexual contact.

• Through eating or drinking contaminated food or water or swimming near sewage outlets.

It is very important to wash your hands carefully after going to the toilet and before eating.

How is it diagnosed and treated?
Hepatitis A can be diagnosed by a simple blood test. If you have had hepatitis A but your body has cleared it, you may be protected from future infection with hepatitis A.

You will be most infectious before symptoms occur and may remain infectious for a few days afterwards. Infection is usually mild, but some people may need to be admitted to hospital.
If you test positive for hepatitis A it would be advisable to get your current sexual partner into the clinic for a check-up.

Immunisation
For certain high-risk groups vaccinations are available free of charge at the local sexual health (GUM) clinic. These are:

• Men who have sex with men.
• Intravenous drug users.

• Sex workers.

If you are travelling to a part of the world with high rates of hepatitis A, vaccinations are available from your GP, although there may be a charge for these.

A single injection of hepatitis A vaccine in the arm will give you protection for one year.

A second booster injection at 6-12 months will protect you for up to 20 years.

Also, if you have recently been in contact with someone with hepatitis A you may be offered something called immunoglobulin to try and stop you from being infected.

What if it is not treated?
There are rarely any long-term effects as the majority of people who are infected with Hepatitis A make a full recovery and develop lifelong immunity.

Where to get help
If you think you may have hepatitis A, contact your local sexual health (GUM) clinic and make an appointment. It’s easy and completely confidential.

For more information on sexual health (including HIV), call the Sexual Health Line free (from the UK) on 0800 567 123, textphone (for people with hearing impairments) 0800 521 361 or phone your local NHS sexual health clinic.

You can also find out more about viral hepatitis from the British Liver Trust at info@britishlivertrust.org.uk or 0870 770 8028.

Links and contact details

Name: NHS Direct Wales
Web: NHS Direct Wales – Health Encyclopedia
Email:
Tel: 0845 46 47
Info: NHS Direct Wales is a health advice and information service available 24 hours a day, every day that was set up by the Welsh Assembly Government.

Name: British Liver Trust
Web: British Liver Trust
Email:
Tel: 0800 652 7330
Info: British Liver Trust has dedicated resources for people with liver disease – including a website, helpline and publications. They provide information and support and lobby for better services people with liver disease.

GUM Clinics in South East Wales

ABERDARE
Aberdare General Hospital
Aberdare, CF44 0RF
Tel: 01443 443597
Opening Times: Tue & Thu, 9.30am – 12.30pm

CARDIFF
Cardiff Royal Infirmary
Newport Road, Cardiff, CF24 0SZ
Tel: 029 2033 5207 / 8
Opening times: Mon, Tues, Thurs 8.40 a.m – 5.00 p.m; Wednesday – Closed; Friday Afternoon – Closed (Closed for lunch 12.15 – 1.15 p.m.)

NEWPORT
Royal Gwent Hospital
Cardiff Road, Newport, NP2 2UB
Tel: 01633 234555
Opening times: Mon – Fri, 9.00am – 12.30pm; 1.30pm – 4.30pm

PONTYPOOL
Panteg County Hospital
Coed-Y-Cric Road, Griffiths Town, Pontypool, NP4 5YA
Tel: 01633 234555
Opening times: Mon, 5.00pm – 7.30pm

PONTYPRIDD
Students Health Centre
Dewi Sant Hospital
University of Glamorgan, Pontypridd, CF37 1DL
Tel: 01443 443597
Opening times: Tue, 9.00am – 12.30pm

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