What is Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a viral infection, which affects the human liver. The hepatitis A virus is usually ingested via contaminated food or water and is endemic to countries with an insufficient sanitation system. It can spread rapidly and is known to cause sudden epidemics.

After an incubation period of 2 – 4 weeks, patients usually develop hepatitis A symptoms such as fever, digestive problems and jaundice. The severity of the symptoms varies in different people and can range from mild to very severe. In rare cases, hepatitis A can lead to complications such as cholestasis and liver failure.

According to the World Health Organisation, every year there are about 1.4 million cases of hepatitis A worldwide.

What is Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a type of hepatitis, a viral infection which can cause damage to the liver. Unlike hepatitis A, the hepatitis B virus is not usually transmitted via contaminated water but rather from person to person. It is often passed during sex or when using contaminated needles and medical equipment. Hepatitis B has a long incubation period of 30 – 180 days and is often symptomless.

Possible hepatitis B symptoms are feeling or being sick, tiredness, and headache as well as flu-like symptoms. Some patients also develop a yellowing of skin and eyes, which is called jaundice. The infection can persist for a long time and become chronic hepatitis B, resulting in liver damage and failure.

If you are traveling to an area where hepatitis B is a common illness, you require a hepatitis B vaccine. The same goes for healthcare workers and medical professionals, who are more likely to be exposed to the infection.

According to the World Health Organisation, approximately 600,000 people die every year as a result of hepatitis B. The hepatitis B vaccine is 95% effective in preventing infection and its chronic consequences.

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