The danger of infection is highest in connection with stays in areas with poor hygienic conditions, since the virus is transmitted throug human faeces from both sick and healthy disease carriers.
In children the disease normally takes its course without any symptoms, whereas the course of the disease can be very serious in adults.
Once you've had the disease you are protected for life against the hepatitis A virus, and permanent liver damage doesn’t occur. Infection can be prevented through vaccination, and after a full vaccination programme you will be protected for about 20 years.
In general, it is also important to maintain good hand hygiene (e.g. wash your hands frequently) and have access to clean drinking water in order to prevent infection.