Introduction

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the most prevalent blood- borne viruses and is a major cause of chronic liver disease and liver cancer. The risk of HBV for tourists and short term travellers is relatively low, however the risk can increase depending on certain factors especially in areas of high endemicity, for example sexual transmission, frequent, long term and expatriate travellers and individuals who are travelling for medical reasons or with medical conditions. Healthcare and humanitarian aid workers are also at an increased risk.

Transmission

Hepatitis B virus is transmitted by exposure to infected blood or bodily fluids that is contaminated with infectious blood, vertically from mother to child, or passing through the skin, as an injection or a topical medicine. Behavioural risk factors such as unprotected sexual intercourse, body piercing, tattoos and injecting drug use can also increase the liklihood of acquiring hepatitis B. The risk of sexual transmission of HBV is grater for individuals who change partners frequently, particularly men who have intercourse with men and commercial sex workers. You may also acquire hepatitis B through the percutaneous route, this may include the use of contaminated medical, dental or other instruments and transfusion of infected blood products.

Signs and symptoms

The incubation period for hepatitis B is usually between 40 to 160 days. Following this period patients who are symptomatic may experience abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, anorexia and fever. Patients may also notice dark urine and pale stools. During the acute stage of infection, jaundice may also be apparent. Chronic infection may develop in less than 5% of adults who are affected in adults.

Prevention

In order to reduce the risk of acquiring hepatitis B, all travellers should receive the following advice:

• Avoid unprotected sexual intercourse
• Avoid tattooing and piercing
• Do not share needles
• Carry a sterile medical kit
• Ensure you follow the necessary precautions if working in a healthcare/ high risk setting.

Vaccine availability

Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all travellers whose behaviours place them at risk and may include:

Individuals who may be exposed to blood or blood products through their profession/ occupation for example, healthcare professionals, aid workers, police and fire-fighters.

• Travellers who plan to stay for long periods in areas of high or moderate endemic areas
• Travellers who change sexual partners frequently
• Travellers who participate in contact sport
• Travellers with pre-existing medical conditions such as, chronic liver disease or kidney failure.

If you want more information or require the vaccine for travel purposes, please book an appointment to speak to our trained pharmacist.