Hepatitis A
What is hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is an inflammation of the liver caused by a virus. The time between infection and getting sick is about 28 days. Children usually do not get sick, adults often do. The symptoms of hepatitis A start with fever, lack of appetite, nausea and abdominal pain. After a few days, the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow, the urine is tea-coloured and the stool is the colour of putty. These symptoms persist for about two weeks. Recovery can take months, which includes complaints such as fatigue and lethargy.
How do you get hepatitis A?
The virus is found in the faeces of an infected person. If traces of contaminated faeces end up on food or in drinking water, a person who eats or drinks this food can become infected. Hepatitis A can also be transmitted through contaminated door handles, taps and towels. Hepatitis A is prevalent on many popular holiday destinations. This does not always have to be far away. For example, Morocco, Egypt and Turkey are popular holiday destinations where hepatitis A is prevalent.
What can you do to prevent hepatitis A?
You can be vaccinated against hepatitis A. It is also important to wash your hands properly and regularly. Based on your destination and health, we will be happy to give you personal advice.
What protection does the hepatitis A vaccination offer?
The hepatitis A vaccine consists of a series of two shots. After the first vaccination, you are protected for one year. After the second shot, you are protected for 40 years.
If you are vaccinated against hepatitis A, you can also opt for a combination vaccine. This vaccine gives protection against both hepatitis A and B. Depending on your wishes, we will be happy to give you personalised advice.
How much will a hepatitis A vaccination cost?
In some cases, a hepatitis A vaccination is covered by basic health insurance. For this, you must meet a number of conditions. Check this with your health insurance company.
Do you want to get the vaccination because you are going on a trip? Then in most cases this vaccination will be covered by your supplementary health insurance.
For more information on the price of a vaccination, please visit our rates page.
Questions or schedule an appointment?
Are you opting for a combination vaccine of hepatitis A and B? Then keep in mind that there should be at least one month between the two vaccinations. Make an appointment well in advance if you want to get the vaccination because you are going to travel (whether or not to a high-risk area).
Would you like to make an appointment for a hepatitis A vaccination straight away?