Hepatitis B

November 4, 2024

Traveller's information Hepatitis B

What is hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a form of liver inflammation caused by the hepatitis B virus
(HBV). This virus is transmitted through blood-blood contact or sexual contact. You can catch this
contract the virus when you come into contact with infected blood via a wound or through unprotected
sexual contact (without a condom) with someone infected with the hepatitis B virus.
In countries where less attention is paid to hygiene, you can also contract hepatitis B from
getting tattoos or piercings, in medical procedures or the use of
Used razor blades at the hairdresser's.

Where does hepatitis B occur?
Hepatitis B occurs worldwide, especially in Asia, Africa and Central and South America. In
these countries, the virus is often transmitted from mother to child during childbirth. The
disease also occurs to a lesser extent in western countries, such as the Netherlands. See www.lcr.nl >
advice by country.

What are the symptoms of hepatitis B?
Often people have no or few symptoms after infection, even though they are contagious
to others. If symptoms do develop, it usually happens two to six months after the
infection with a flu-like picture with fatigue, low appetite and abdominal discomfort. Thereafter
the skin and whites of the eyes may turn yellow. the stools discolour and the urine dark
discolour. However, many people, especially children, get no or few symptoms while they do
can be infectious to others.
In about 90% of adults who have become infected, the body manages to remove the
getting rid of the virus. In the remaining 10%, the virus does not disappear. These people continue to carry the virus at
carry; they also remain infectious to others. Carriers have an increased risk of
later develop liver cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) or liver cancer.

How can you prevent hepatitis B?
You can prevent hepatitis B infection by:
- Have safe sex (use condom). Condom use not only protects you from
hepatitis B, but also against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Always take condoms with you when you go on holiday!
- Not to get tattoos or piercings while travelling
- Preferably go to the dentist before the trip. Set dental visits during the trip as
possible from.
- If possible, avoid injections, infusions and blood transfusions.
- Not ending up in a hospital unnecessarily.
- Taking the right antimalarial drugs so that you do not have to be treated for malaria
become.
- Vaccination is recommended for some travellers.

Hepatitis B vaccine
A full series of hepatitis B vaccinations consists of three injections in the upper arm. One month
A second vaccination follows the first vaccination. Five months after the second vaccination follows
a third. After three vaccinations, you are likely to be protected for life.
If you are going to travel and are at risk of being infected with both forms of hepatitis, it is sometimes
It is also possible to take a combination vaccination against hepatitis A and B. You will then receive a total of 3
injections.