Hepatitis B is a serious liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.
The hepatitis B virus is endemic (constantly present) in much of the developing world. Many popular travel destinations such as the Caribbean are considered risk areas for unprotected travellers. In fact, you can contract hepatitis B even if you stay at a 5-star resort.
You can contract hepatitis B by coming into contact with the bodily fluids (such as blood, semen, vaginal fluid, or saliva) of an infected person.
Resort activities that may put you at risk for hepatitis B include:
Getting a manicure, pedicure, tattoo, piercing, or acupuncture with improperly sterilized tools
Having sexual contact with an infected partner
Giving first aid to, or receiving it from, an infected person
A medical or dental procedure with contaminated equipment
Sharing personal grooming items (such as nail clippers) with an infected person
Not all infected adults will experience symptoms.
That means you could contract hepatitis B, and spread the virus to others, without realizing it.
Symptoms of hepatitis B may include:*
Fatigue
Nausea
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
Loss of appetite
Vomiting
Abdominal discomfort
Joint pain
Dark urine
Clay-coloured stool
* TWINRIX is not indicated to treat the symptoms of, or reduce serious consequences associated with hepatitis A and B.
Possible consequences of hepatitis B.*
While most recover from hepatitis B infection, 10% of adults become lifelong “carriers”.
If this happens, you can pass the virus on to others for the rest of your life without having symptoms yourself.
Chronic hepatitis B may lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer.*
Hepatitis A and B are two of the most common vaccine-preventable diseases in travellers.
* TWINRIX is not indicated to treat the symptoms of, or reduce serious consequences associated with hepatitis A and B.