Hepatitis B is a global health issue, affecting millions of people worldwide, and is a leading cause of liver disease and liver cancer.
- Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV).
- You could be at risk of acquiring Hepatitis B if you require medical or emergency care in many countries overseas.
What is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a viral infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) that attacks the liver. It is transmitted through contact with infectious body fluids, such as blood, semen, and vaginal secretions. The virus can be spread through activities like unprotected sex, sharing needles, and from mother to baby at birth. Hepatitis B can cause both acute and chronic liver disease, potentially leading to cirrhosis and liver cancer.
What are the symptoms of Hepatitis B?
Symptoms of Hepatitis B vary and may appear 1 to 4 months after exposure to the virus. Early symptoms often include fatigue, poor appetite, stomach pain, nausea, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). Some people, especially young children, may not show any symptoms. In severe cases, Hepatitis B can lead to chronic liver disease, which may progress silently for years before causing significant liver damage and liver failure.
How dangerous is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a serious disease that can become life-threatening. Chronic Hepatitis B increases the risk of developing liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. It is estimated that up to 1 million people die each year from Hepatitis B-related liver disease. Early detection and management are crucial in preventing severe complications. Antiviral medications can help manage chronic Hepatitis B, reducing the risk of liver damage and cancer.
Who should get vaccinated?
Individuals who should get vaccinated for Hepatitis B include:
- All infants at birth
- Unvaccinated children and adolescents
- Healthcare and public safety workers exposed to blood
- People with multiple sexual partners
- Individuals with chronic liver disease or HIV infection
- Travelers to regions with high Hepatitis B prevalence
- People who inject drugs or share needles
- Household members and sexual partners of HBV-infected individuals
Who is not at risk?
Individuals who are generally not at risk for Hepatitis B include:
- People who have been vaccinated against Hepatitis B
- Those who do not engage in high-risk behaviors such as unprotected sex or sharing needles
- Individuals living in areas with low prevalence of Hepatitis B and practicing good hygiene and safety measures
Where is Hepatitis B commonly found in overseas countries?
Hepatitis B is commonly found in regions with high prevalence, including:
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- East Asia
- The Pacific Islands
- The Amazon region
- Parts of Eastern Europe and Central Asia
In these regions, the infection is often acquired during childhood, either perinatally from mother to child or through horizontal transmission among children. Travelers to these areas should be aware of the risk and take preventive measures, including vaccination.
How can Hepatitis B be prevented?
Hepatitis B can be effectively prevented through vaccination, which is recommended for all infants at birth and for unvaccinated individuals at high risk. The vaccine is administered in three to four doses over a six-month period and provides long-term protection. In addition to vaccination, preventive measures include practicing safe sex, avoiding sharing needles, ensuring safe medical practices, and screening blood products. Pregnant women should be tested for HBV to prevent mother-to-child transmission. These measures can significantly reduce the risk of Hepatitis B infection and its serious complications.