Hepatitis B is the third most common infection in travellers. It is a disease, which affects the liver and can survive in dried blood for up to seven days. It is spread from person to person through contact with bodily fluids i.e. semen, saliva, tears, vaginal fluid or urine and blood.

Symptoms range from flu like symptoms and a general feeling of unwell. At this stage some can recover from the disease, however some may go on to develop abdominal pain, jaundice which can last up to eight weeks. Once at this stage a person will either produce antibodies to the virus or go into full liver failure, which can result in death.

Hepatitis B is found worldwide. Areas of high endemicity include Tropical Africa, South America, Southeast Asia, Parts of China and the Pacific Basin, where a carrier rate is estimated to be 8% of the population.

This information is to complement and not replace the relationship with your family doctor. Always discuss your travel health requirements with your regular doctor or practice nurse.