• is a viral infection that is transmitted through the fecal-oral route, meaning it spreads through the consumption of contaminated food or water, or by close contact with an infected person.
• primarily affects the liver.
• the symptoms can vary from mild to severe and may appear suddenly.
• in many cases, especially in children, the infection may be asymptomatic or cause only mild symptoms. However, in others, symptoms can be more severe.
• higher risk in areas with poor sanitation and where food handling practices are not up to international standards.

Early Symptoms (Initial Phase)

• fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain – typically on the right side of the abdomen, where the liver is located, dark urine – often described as tea-coloured.

Jaundice (Later Stage)

• yellowing of the skin and eyes.
• stools may become pale or clay-coloured.

Additional Symptoms

• itching and joint pain – particularly in the hands, wrists, or knees.

Duration and Recovery

• most people recover fully within 2 months. In some cases, fatigue may last for a few months even after the other symptoms have resolved.
• unlike Hepatitis B or C, Hepatitis A does not lead to chronic liver disease. Once you recover, you are typically immune for life.

Factors That Affect Risk

• Local Water Supply:
  • • In many Asian countries, even cities with good infrastructure may still have issues with local water contamination. This can affect the tap water, even in hotels that have decent standards. If the local water supply is contaminated, the risk of Hepatitis A transmission increases.
• Hotel Water Sources:
  • • Hotels may rely on local water sources for drinking, bathing, and cooking. While high-end hotels may filter and treat their water, the risk can still persist in some situations.
    • Some hotels may not treat water as thoroughly as others, particularly if the hotel uses local water for non-drinking purposes (e.g., in showers, bathtubs, or swimming pools).
• Ice and Food Preparation:
  • • Even in high-end hotels, ice and fresh produce might still be sourced from local water. If the water used to make ice or wash food is contaminated, it can still pose a risk, even if the hotel otherwise maintains high standards.
• Drinking Water:
  • • Hotels in many parts of Asia will provide bottled or purified water for drinking, which is typically safe to consume. However, travellers should still be cautious about drinking water from the tap, even in higher-end hotels, unless it is specifically treated or bottled.
• Hotel Hygiene Practices:
  • • Most reputable hotels follow international hygiene standards, including using purified water for their kitchen and drinking supplies. However, contamination can still occur if staff inadvertently uses contaminated water for cleaning or preparing food.

Preventive Measures:

• Drink Bottled or Filtered Water
• Avoid Ice: If you’re unsure about the source of ice, it’s best to avoid it, especially in places with known water contamination issues.
• Wash Hands: Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands regularly with soap and water, especially before eating.
• Use Only Safe Water for Brushing Teeth: Avoid using tap water to brush your teeth; always use bottled or boiled water.

The Hepatitis A Vaccine:

• may take two weeks or more to provide the best protection.

According to the Australian Immunisation Handbook, the Hepatitis A vaccine provides long-term protection:

• Initial Dose: The first dose offers protection for at least 1 year.
• Second Dose: Administered 6–12 months after the first dose, this booster extends protection for at least 25 years, with some studies suggesting it may last a lifetime.
• In most cases, no booster is required after the initial two-dose series.