Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver that is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). Most commonly, hepatitis A causes a mild illness that resolves on its own within 1-2 weeks; however, in some cases, it may cause a more severe illness that can last several months.1-3
Hepatitis A is usually transmitted from person to person by the faecal-oral route. This may occur either through the consumption of contaminated food and water, or through direct contact with other people, including through sexual activity (particularly digito-anal, genito-oral and oro-anal sex).2
While hepatitis A is uncommon in the UK, certain groups are at increased risk of infection, including men who have sex with men.4
Symptoms of hepatitis A usually appear within 4 weeks following infection, although not everyone will experience them. Symptoms may include:1-4
For most people, symptoms will usually improve within 2 months with no long-term side effects. From some (fewer than 1 in every 7 people), symptoms may persist for up to 6 months before full recovery.4
In rare cases, hepatitis A infection may cause more severe illness with debilitating symptoms, and occasionally (fewer than 1 in every 250 people) liver failure, which may be fatal.1-4
Men who have sex with men may be at increased risk of hepatitis A infection.2 Since 2005, numerous European countries have reported outbreaks of hepatitis A infection in this community.1
Between June 2016 and May 2017 alone, 17 European countries reported 4,096 cases of hepatitis A. Among the confirmed cases (1,400) with available background data, 84% identified as men who have sex with men.2
The risk of hepatitis A infection may be increased as a consequence of unprotected sex with multiple partners.2
References
Date of preparation: November 2021 | MAT-GB-2101309(v1.0)