Hepatitis B

Replies: 5 - Last Post: Mar 6, 2013 5:36 AM Last Post By: HepatitisCommun...

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Jan 30, 2013 12:02 AM
Posts: 2

Hepatitis B

Hi,

Just had some injections done, rabies and japanese encephalitis. Turns out that I didn't already have a hepatitis B vaccine, how badly do I need it if I am careful abroad i.e. don't go anywhere needles and practice safe sex. I will be visiting, south east asia. It is a lot of hassle to get one seeing as I am leaving on monday and would require having to get boosters along my journey, doable.

tempelton

Jan 30, 2013 5:38 AM
Posts: 500

Also don't go to a barber or get a tatoo, Hep B gets transmitted like HIV, except it's easier to catch, another rather good thing is it only gets chronic in 5 - 10 % of the cases, but if it does there is not much that can be done, the therapy against Hep C does not work with B.

If you plan to go way off the beaten track you should think about getting it, sometimes, hope it does not happen, get in an accident or go to a dentist they might not have steril needles in out of the way places, if this is not the case on this trip I would start as soon as I'm back home to be protected for the future.

nutraxfornerves

Jan 30, 2013 7:16 AM
Posts: 6,592

Hepatitis B It is spread by body fluids. There are ways to get it that don't involve becoming, shall we say, very well acquainted with someone you meet on the road.

These include getting a tattoo or piercing, and getting a haircut, shave, manicure or pedicure (where there is a possibility of a skin nick with contaminated equipment). If you suddenly develop an urge to become a user of illegal injected drugs, you'd be at risk.

Another issue is getting medical or dental treatment. Blood in some countries is not always screened for Hep B. If the doctor or dentist isn't using sterile gloves, you could be at risk. If that needle used to stitch you up or that dental pick wasn't adequately sterilized, you have a problem. Expats often get vaccinated for this reason.

charlenem

Feb 3, 2013 10:44 PM
Posts: 21

You might call a travel health clinic and ask, but I'm pretty sure even just getting one shot provides more protection than none. Then you could complete the series as fits your schedule.

nutraxfornerves

Feb 4, 2013 7:19 AM
Posts: 6,592

The OP has probably already left, but I'll answer the question anyway. According to the US CDC

Ideally, vaccination should begin 6 months before travel so the full vaccine series can be completed before departure. Because some protection is provided by 1 or 2 doses, the vaccine series should be initiated, if indicated, even if it cannot be completed before departure. Optimal protection, however, is not conferred until after the final vaccine dose is received.

HepatitisCommunity

Mar 6, 2013 5:36 AM
Posts: 3

www.hepatitiscommunity.com is an international website dedicated to hepatitis B and C and hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatologists and gastroenterologists can find news from congresses (EASL, AASLD, APASL), from publications, clinical cases and a forum.

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