What Is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver. It is spread through contact with infected blood or certain body fluids and can cause both short-term illness and, in some people, a long-term infection that may lead to serious liver disease.
Why Hepatitis B Prevention Matters
Hepatitis B is found worldwide, with higher rates in many parts of Africa, Asia, the Pacific Islands, Eastern Europe, South America, and the Middle East. Although many Canadians have been vaccinated through routine childhood immunization programs, not everyone is protected, and some adults may be uncertain of their vaccination history.
Unlike hepatitis A, hepatitis B is not spread through contaminated food or water. Instead, it is transmitted through contact with infected blood or certain body fluids. The risk is often associated with unprotected sexual contact or sharing needles, but travellers may also be exposed through unexpected medical or dental treatment, tattooing or piercing with inadequately sterilized equipment, or other unforeseen situations that arise during travel.
Most travellers do not expect to need medical care while they are away, but accidents and emergencies can happen anywhere. Being vaccinated before you travel helps ensure you are protected if an unexpected exposure occurs. The risk of hepatitis B depends on your destination, the length and purpose of your trip, your planned activities, and your individual health history.
Hepatitis B can become a chronic infection in some people, increasing the risk of cirrhosis (permanent scarring of the liver), liver failure, and liver cancer. Many people with chronic hepatitis B have no symptoms for years, making prevention through vaccination especially important. For travellers who are not already immune, vaccination is the most effective way to prevent infection.
Your vaccination history is an important part of planning for travel. Some adults received hepatitis B vaccination as children, and others may have been vaccinated because of their occupation or medical condition. During a travel consultation, your immunization history can be reviewed to determine whether additional vaccination is recommended based on your travel plans and individual risk factors.
Every trip is different, and recommendations should be tailored to your destination and planned activities. Someone travelling for business may have different risks than someone volunteering in a healthcare setting or visiting family for an extended period. A personalized travel health assessment helps ensure you receive recommendations that are appropriate for your specific trip.
How Our Pharmacists Can Help
Our pharmacist can assess your individual risk of hepatitis B by reviewing your destination, itinerary, medical history, and vaccination history. We can then provide access to hepatitis B vaccination when appropriate and answer your questions about reducing your risk before and during your travels.
You do not need a referral or separate doctor’s appointment before seeing us. We’ll review your travel plans, answer your questions, and help coordinate any additional care or referral that may be needed before your trip.
Book Your Travel Consultation Today
If you are travelling to a destination where hepatitis B may be a concern, planning ahead can help ensure you have the protection you need before you leave.
Contact Wellness Point Pharmacy to book your travel health appointment online or by phone, or visit us in person to arrange an appointment with one of our pharmacists. Our pharmacist will help you understand your risk of hepatitis B and ensure you receive the protection that’s appropriate for your trip.
