Chelsea Green Pharmacy
If you’re preparing for a gap year, volunteering abroad, or planning an extended backpacking trip, it’s easy to focus on flights, gear, and travel insurance, while unintentionally overlooking one of the most important aspects of travel health: vaccinations. One disease that remains a significant risk for travellers in group settings is hepatitis A.
At Chelsea Green Pharmacy, we regularly advise individuals heading off on international adventures, particularly to areas where food hygiene and sanitation may be unreliable. In this guide, we’ll explore how hepatitis A transmission occurs, why it’s especially concerning in communal environments, and how you can protect yourself with a simple vaccine at our travel clinic in London.
What Is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver. It’s caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV) and is primarily spread through the faecal-oral route—meaning it’s transmitted when traces of infected faecal matter are ingested. This often happens through contaminated food or water, or through close personal contact with an infected person.
Unlike hepatitis B or C, hepatitis A does not lead to chronic liver disease, but it can still cause severe illness, including fatigue, jaundice, nausea, abdominal pain, and fever. Recovery can take weeks—or even months—and may derail your entire trip.
How Does Hepatitis A Transmission Happen in Group Settings?
When travelling, especially on a budget, group settings are hard to avoid. Unfortunately, these environments can increase your risk of hepatitis A exposure in several ways:
1. Shared Accommodation (e.g. hostels, dorms, homestays)
Backpackers often share bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchen spaces with other travellers. If hygiene standards are low, or if even one person in the group is unknowingly infected and not washing their hands properly, hepatitis A transmission can occur easily. Shared cooking utensils, water bottles, or food prep areas can all contribute to the spread of the virus.
2. Communal Toilets and Washing Facilities
In many developing countries or remote regions, toilets may be basic or shared by large groups. Handwashing facilities may be limited, and water quality may be poor. This makes it more difficult to maintain good hygiene practices and increases the risk of faecal contamination.
3. Rural Work Placements and Volunteer Programmes
Many people choose to spend part of their gap year volunteering—whether on a conservation project, farm stay, or educational programme. These rural placements often involve living in close quarters and preparing food communally, sometimes in areas with poor sanitation infrastructure. If local water supplies are untreated or food is prepared without proper hygiene, the risk of infection rises significantly.
4. Eating Street Food or Home-Cooked Meals
Trying local cuisine is a highlight of any trip, but eating from unregulated food vendors or in households where hygiene standards may differ from what you’re used to can be a risk factor. Food contaminated during handling, preparation, or storage is a common route of hepatitis A transmission.
Why You Should Get Vaccinated Before You Go
The good news is that hepatitis A is easily preventable with a safe and highly effective vaccine. A single dose offers strong protection, and a second dose (given 6 to 12 months later) provides long-term immunity for up to 25 years.
At Chelsea Green Pharmacy, we offer the hepatitis A vaccine as part of our travel health services, with same-day appointments available. It’s especially recommended for anyone:
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Travelling to countries where hepatitis A is common (including parts of Asia, Africa, Central and South America, and Eastern Europe)
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Staying in group accommodation or communal settings
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Volunteering in rural or remote areas
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Working with children or in healthcare-related placements abroad
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Planning extended travel or multiple destinations
We also offer combined vaccines that protect against both hepatitis A and B, which can be useful if you’re travelling long-term or participating in higher-risk activities. Contact us to discuss your travel healthcare needs.
Additional Prevention Tips for Travellers
Vaccination is the best defence, but it’s also wise to follow basic hygiene precautions while travelling:
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Wash your hands thoroughly before eating and after using the toilet
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Use alcohol-based hand sanitiser when soap and water aren’t available
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Only drink bottled, boiled, or purified water
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Avoid ice in drinks if you’re unsure of the water source
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Eat food that is thoroughly cooked and served hot
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Avoid raw or unpeeled fruits and vegetables unless you’ve washed and prepared them yourself
Visit Our Travel Clinic in London
Whether you’re travelling for adventure, work, or service, don’t let hepatitis A disrupt your plans. Our travel clinic in London provides expert advice, essential vaccinations, and tailored health recommendations based on your itinerary and travel style.
Book your appointment today at Chelsea Green Pharmacy to get vaccinated and travel with confidence. With professional support and proactive planning, you can focus on enjoying your experience while staying safe and healthy every step of the way.
