HEPATITIS VACCINE (A/B/A+B)
Hepatitis is a chronic liver disease and can affect anyone.
Hepatitis means “inflammation of the liver”. A liver can become inflamed for many reasons, such as too much alcohol, physical injury, autoimmune response, or a reaction to bacteria or a virus. Some hepatitis viruses can lead to fibrosis, cirrhosis, liver failure, or even liver cancer. Damage to the liver reduces its ability to function and makes it harder for your body to filter out toxins.
HEPATITIS A VS. B
What is the difference?
While hepatitis A and B both impact the liver, the two viruses differ greatly from one another. Hepatitis B is a blood-borne pathogen; its primary mode of transmission is through direct blood-to-blood contact with an infected person. In contrast, hepatitis A can be spread by fecal-oral transmission or by consuming food or water that has been contaminated. It is important to note that a person cannot contract hepatitis B through casual interactions. However, hepatitis A can be spread through food that is prepared by an infected person. Hepatitis A is primarily caused by poor sanitation and personal hygiene.
Hepatitis A vaccine is used to prevent infection by hepatitis A. The vaccine contains inactivated hepatitis A virus that is not capable of causing disease, but instead stimulates your body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against the disease. Protection against hepatitis A is usually in place within one month of injection.
Hepatitis B vaccine prevents infection by hepatitis B virus by allowing your body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against the disease. Hepatitis B virus is a major cause of serious liver diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for persons of all ages, especially those at increased risk of infection with hepatitis B virus.
TRAVELLING?
You can contract hepatitis A or B even if you stay at a 5-star resort.
Both viruses are endemic (constantly present) in much of the developing world. Many popular travel destinations are considered risk areas for unprotected travellers.