Disease and
Immunization Facts

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Hepatitis A

What Is It?

• Hepatitis A is a virus that is very common in developing countries where sanitation is poor
  
• Travelers can be infected from person-to-person contact or through food and water that has been contaminated with animal or human feces
  
• In adults, Hepatitis A usually results in liver disease, characterized by jaundice - a yellowing of the skin - that can last a month or more
  
• Other symptoms may include fatigue, nausea, stomach pains and general weakness
  
• Children may show no symptoms at all

Where Is It?

• Hepatitis A is a virus that is very common in developing countries where sanitation is poor

Prevention Tips

• Follow strict food and water precautions while traveling
  
• Ensure all food is well cooked - especially meat and seafood
  
• Consume only canned or commercially bottled drinks
  
• Ensure ice cubes are made from purified water
  
• Eat only fruits and vegetables that you wash and peel yourself
  
• Avoid cold cuts, salads, watermelon and puddings
  
• If traveling to an area where Hepatitis A is common, your travel health care professional should ensure that you receive a Hepatitis A vaccine