NHS experts have explained the symptoms of Hepatitis A and the signs of infection to look out for. This comes after two cases of hepatitis A have been reported among pupils at Newcastle primary schools.
The schools, Benton Park Primary and Central Walker Primary, have issued letters to families including advice and guidance from the UK Health Security Agency. Hepatitis A is a liver infection that is spread in the poo of an infected person. Most people who get it get better within a few months.
How Hepatitis A spreads
It is not common in the UK but is more common in other parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Central and South America, the NHS says. The health specialists also explain that you can get Hepatitis A from drinking unclean water, eating food that's been washed or grown in unclean water, eating food that's been handled by an infected person or having close physical contact with an infected person.
Vaccination is the best way to prevent hepatitis A. However, Hepatitis A vaccines are not routinely offered in the UK because the risk of getting infected is low. The NHS states: "You only need to get a vaccine if you are at high risk of catching or getting seriously ill from hepatitis A."
Symptoms of Hepatitis A
You would be at high risk if, for example, you are travelling to a country where Hepatitis A is common, you have recently been in close physical contact with someone who has it, you have long-term liver disease, you have a blood clotting disorder, or your job puts you at risk of infection – for example, you’re a healthcare worker or a sewage worker.
The NHS says symptoms of Hepatitis A infection include: a high temperature; flu-like symptoms, such as tiredness, headache, and muscle pains; feeling sick or being sick; pain in your upper tummy; diarrhoea or constipation; pale yellow or pale grey poo; dark brown pee; itchy skin – you may also have a raised rash (hives); and yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes (jaundice).
Recovery and infectious period
Most children, and some adults, may have mild symptoms or no symptoms. The NHS website adds: "Hepatitis A usually clears up on its own within 3 to 6 months." Your doctor may offer you medicines to help with the symptoms, such as painkillers or medicines to stop you feeling sick or itchy. A small number of people with Hepatitis A may get further liver problems. You may need blood tests to check your liver is working properly.
If you have Hepatitis A, you're usually infectious for either 7 days after yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) started or 7 days after your symptoms started, if you've not had jaundice. The advice is to limit contact with other people for 7 days after your symptoms started - adults should stay off work and children should stay off from school or nursery.
