Hepatitis B

What you need to know Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a serious disease which affects the functioning of the liver.

It can go on to become a life-long chronic condition with serious effects, including liver failure, scarring of the liver and liver cancer. There are currently more than 2 billion people in the world that have been infected by Hepatitis B, which is one in every three people in the planet.

It is spread through contact with infected blood or body fluids, such as through sexual intercourse or sharing needles.

High-risk areas

Hepatitis B occurs worldwide but, in particular, it may be found in:

• Africa
• Central America
• China
• Eastern Europe
• The Far East
• India
• Russia
• South America
• South East Asia

Short term travellers and tourists are usually at low risk of Hepatitis B. Travellers at risk should consider vaccination. This includes those who will be visiting areas where there is high risk of exposure to the virus. Individuals should avoid risky behaviour e.g. unprotected sexual intercourse, tattoos, piercings, visiting traditional barbers in high risk destinations. Dental and surgical procedures should also be avoided in high risk areas.

Signs and symptoms

• Mild fever
• Flu-like symptoms
• High temperature
• Gastro-intestinal upset
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhoea and abdominal pain
• Yellow skin and eyes.

The vaccine

Several different vaccines are available for Hepatitis B. Most require a course of three doses which are given rapidly over a one month course or given over a standard six months course.

Once you have completed the course, you should be protected against Hepatitis B for life. Healthcare workers are advised to have a booster dose after five years.

A combined Hepatitis A and B vaccine is also available. Our travel specialist can recommend the most suitable option for you based on your specific health requirements, itinerary, past history and time to travel.