Hepatitis A

There is no particular risk of developing this type of disease in Vietnam, however it seems useful to us to communicate about this disease in order to prevent its effects.

Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease, caused by the hepatitis A virus. In the past, this hepatitis was called “infectious hepatitis” because of its epidemic and contagious nature. This virus is transmitted by drinks, food, or objects directly or indirectly contaminated. The contamination is invisible; on average, the incubation period is 4 weeks.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A, the Risks?

Normally, in countries where hygiene standards are not strict, residents risk being contaminated during childhood while this disease is generally not accompanied by any symptoms or very mild symptoms. But in industrialized countries, the risks of infection have decreased significantly.

Given the hygiene standards that have improved significantly in Vietnam, the risk of contracting hepatitis A has become very low. Most travelers are not protected against this disease.

When adults are contaminated, during a trip for example, the risk is greater to develop hepatitis with intense symptoms, about 80%: nausea, abdominal pain, jaundice, dark urine,… It is the consequence of a decrease in liver function.

Despite this disease being most often benign (without progression to chronicity nor endangering the life of the patient), the morbidity of this disease in adults remains always high, especially in the long term. Generally, the morbid phase lasts several weeks and is followed by a period of post-viral asthenia. Sometimes, one case in ten, hepatitis A experiences uneven and slow progression (even up to 6 months). The risk of this hepatitis increases strongly with age: 1‰ in children but 2% beyond age 40 and the risk of death is higher (30%) in the case of fulminant hepatitis.

Where Could You Contract Hepatitis A?

Currently, Vietnam has no endemic zone.

Most often, this hepatitis A is transmitted by children. The latter are asymptomatic even if infected. This is why it is difficult to know if they are carriers of the virus. The main victims of this hepatitis A are adults, especially those who travel. The risk of contamination by the hepatitis A virus during a trip to subtropical climate regions is real, but variable: 0.4-4‰ of travelers per month in ordinary tourist destinations, but up to 2% per month in areas with poor hygiene conditions. It should be noted that even if you stay in a luxury hotel, the risk of contracting hepatitis A still always exists. So, think about getting vaccinated before leaving for your trip.

Vaccination against this hepatitis A is strongly recommended for all vulnerable travelers, regardless of the duration of the trip, who are going to Asia.

How to Avoid Hepatitis A?

To best avoid this hepatitis, the only effective solution is vaccination.

Where to Get Vaccinated?

It is available in pharmacies; the vaccine can be administered by staff at an authorized vaccination center or by your family doctor. Note that there is a vaccine effective against both hepatitis A and hepatitis B.