Preventing Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is 100 times more infectious than HIV, and many people don’t know they have it, making vaccination the best form of protection.

Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). It can lead to long-term liver damage, cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer if left untreated. The virus is highly contagious and spreads through blood, bodily fluids, and unprotected sexual contact, making vaccination essential for travellers, healthcare workers, and those at risk.

Symptoms can appear 1 to 6 months after infection, and some people may not show symptoms at all. However, even without symptoms, the virus can still cause liver damage and be spread to others.

Common Symptoms Include:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain, particularly in the liver area
• Dark urine and pale-colored stools
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Fever, joint pain, or flu-like symptoms

The Hepatitis B Vaccine

The Hepatitis B vaccine provides long-term immunity and is recommended for travellers, healthcare workers, and those at risk of exposure.

• Travelers to high-risk countries
• Healthcare workers and caregivers
• People who may be exposed to blood or bodily fluids (e.g., first responders, tattoo artists)
• Individuals engaging in high-risk activities (e.g., unprotected sex, drug use, or medical tourism)
• Babies born to mothers with Hepatitis B
• Anyone who wants long-term protection from Hepatitis B

Vaccine Schedule & Dosage

Standard Schedule: Three doses over six months.

• First dose: Given at any time.
• Second dose: One month after the first dose.
• Third dose: Six months after the first dose.

If you need faster protection, the vaccine can be given over 21 days with a booster at 12 months. Once fully vaccinated, protection lasts for life in most people.

Booster shots are recommended after five years or after possible exposure to the disease.

Side effects 

• Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site
• Mild fever, headache, or fatigue
• Nausea or mild stomach discomfort

Serious allergic reactions are very rare, but if you experience difficulty breathing, swelling, or a severe allergic response, seek medical attention immediately.

Common Ways Hepatitis B is Transmitted

• Unprotected sexual contact – The virus is found in semen, vaginal fluids, and blood.
• Sharing needles or syringes – This includes drug use, medical injections, or tattooing with unsterilized equipment.
• Mother-to-baby transmission – A mother with Hepatitis B can pass it to her baby during childbirth.
• Direct blood contact – Through open wounds, cuts, or medical procedures with contaminated instruments.
• Sharing personal hygiene items – Razors, toothbrushes, or nail clippers that may have traces of infected blood.

High-Risk Regions:

• East and Southeast Asia (China, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam)
• Africa (Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana)
• Central and South America (Brazil, Peru, Venezuela)
• Eastern Europe (Russia, Romania, Moldova)
• The Middle East (Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia)
• Pacific Islands (Papua New Guinea, Fiji)