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Hepatitis
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus, which
can affect anyone. The virus is usually acquired during childhood, most
often as an asymptomatic or mild infection.
Transmission can occur by direct person-to-person contact; through exposure to contaminated water, ice, or shellfish harvested from sewage-contaminated water; or from fruits, vegetables, or other foods that are eaten uncooked, and which can become contaminated during harvesting or subsequent handling.
Hepatitis A Symptoms:
More often than not, adults will have signs and symptoms which include:
- Jaundice
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Malaise
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Fever
Depending on the seriousness of the infection, it may last between 1 to 2 weeks to several months.
Treatment and Prevention:
There are currently very efficient vaccines available; however, prevention
is always key to avoiding a sickness altogether. Good personal hygiene
and proper sanitation can help prevent the hepatitis A virus. For example,
always wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom, changing
a diaper, and before preparing and eating food. Short term protection
against the virus is in the vaccine form of immune globulin (a protein
found in the blood that fights infection).
It is important to note that there is no chronic long-term infection. Once you have had it, you cannot get it again. Approximately 15% of people infected with Hepatitis A will have prolonged or relapsing symptoms over a 6 to 9 month period.
Hepatitis A vaccine provides 54% to 62% protection 14 days after the first dose and 94% to 100% 28 days after the 1st dose. This protection lasts 1 year. A second booster dose 6 to 12 months later provides 20 or more years of protection.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a serious viral infection caused by a virus that attacks
the liver. The Hepatitis B virus can cause lifelong infection, cirrhosis
of the liver, liver cancer, liver failure, or death.
The B virus is primarily transmitted through activities that involve contact with blood or blood-derived fluids. The most frequent mode of transmission is through sexual activity, whether heterosexual or homosexual. Hepatitis B can also be transmitted by those working in health care fields; those who have received blood transfusions without being screened, or through exposure to needles contaminated with the virus.
Affected Areas:
Areas with high infection include Southeast Asia, the Middle East,
the South and Western Pacific, and certain parts of the Caribbean. Northern
and Western Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Mexico
have the lowest infection rates.
Virus B Symptoms:
About 30% of people infected with this virus have no signs or symptoms.
The symptoms are also less common in children compared with adults. They
include:
- Jaundice
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
Chronic infection occurs in 90% of infants infected at birth, 30% of children infected at age 1 to 5 years, and 6% of persons infected after age 5.
Treatment and Prevention:
As with hepatitis A, hepatitis B also has a vaccine. Ideally, one
planning to travel should be vaccinated at least 6 months before travel
so the full vaccine series can be completed before departure.
The best protection is the vaccine. Since it can be transmitted through sexual activity, it is strongly recommended to use condoms for protection. Also be cautious if you are considering getting a piercing or tattoo. There are several things to keep in mind once you have gotten the tattoo. You can find a number of tips to keeping away infection by clicking here.
Hepatitis B vaccine requires 2 doses 30 days apart in order to provide 1 year of protection. Like Hepatitis A, a booster vaccination 6 to 12 months later provides 20 or more years of protection.
The types of diseases vary with each destination. After browsing through this site you may also call or email Travel Health Help for more detailed information: 1-888-621-3952
