The risk of not only developing countries
Hepatitis A is a worldwide plague. But the risk of infection was significantly higher in developing countries and in countries with low hygiene standards. Among the highest risk areas are Africa, including popular holiday destinations such as Egypt and Tunisia. Furthermore, Asia, Central and South America.
Other factors that affect the risk of infection include the length and purpose of stay, as well as the conditions of accommodation and meals. If you are going to visit rural areas, live with locals and eat at street stalls, the risk of virus infection increases significantly. But you can get infected even in a luxury hotel!
Source of infection - a man
Hepatitis A is called "the disease of dirty hands". The source of infection is a sick person who excreting the virus in faeces. If does not respect the principles of hygiene, can infect other people, eg. A handshake. In countries with low hygiene standards faeces can contaminate water that is then used eg. For watering vegetables and fruits, but also to drink! So you can infect both patient contact and by eating fresh vegetables, fruits neloupaného, unpackaged drinking water, but also ice cubes, which he put into his favorite drink.
Recommendations for travelers
Drink only bottled water - Avoid drinking tap water or from unknown sources, do not take drinks into the ice to dilute juices and juice, use bottled water.
Eat only what they cooked, or what you yourself properly washed or peeled - Avoid eating unwashed fruits and vegetables, undercooked meat processed and if possible nestravujte in street stalls.
Wash your hands - before eating Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean water, the practical use of disinfecting gels. Avoid close contact with strangers.
Let yourself against hepatitis A vaccination.
The most reliable protection - vaccination
Against hepatitis A, there is an effective vaccine. You can only get vaccinated against hepatitis A, in which case the two doses administered, the second for 6 to 12 months after the first dose. Or against hepatitis A and B once, then give three doses, one month after the first dose and the third six months after the second dose. There is also shortened vaccination.
Vaccination is reliable protection against infection with hepatitis A, but with him before the trip must start early!
Source: Viral hepatitida.cz