Things You May Not Have Known About Hepatitis A & B

It’s fairly common for most of us to overlook certain things when we’re getting ready for a big vacation, or an upcoming trip somewhere. Traveling abroad can be both an exciting adventure, and a major stressor for people at times. We may overlook some things, but there are certain things we should never overlook. Getting vaccinated before your trip is one of those things. The Travel Clinic in New York City is one of the top Travel Clinics in the country. Our renowned professionals here offer everything from Yellow Fever Shots to Hepatitis A & Hepatitis B Travel Vaccinations in NYC.

Did You Know?

According to an expert who was the director of USC International Travel Health Services Jeffrey Goad (PharmD, MPH), “vaccines for diseases that are routine here, for instance measles, which breaks out every now and then, can be extremely common in other countries, routine vaccines sometimes become very important when traveling abroad,” says Goad.

So What Are They?

The following information was gathered from the CDC and should give you a better idea of what Hepatitis A & B are. It should also help you understand the importance behind getting vaccinated. Here is some important information about both of these viruses:

1. Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable, communicable disease of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It is usually transmitted person-to-person through the fecal-oral route or consumption of contaminated food or water. Hepatitis A is a self-limited disease that does not result in chronic infection. Most adults with hepatitis A have symptoms, including fatigue, low appetite, stomach pain, nausea, and jaundice, that usually resolve within 2 months of infection; most children less than 6 years of age do not have symptoms or have an unrecognized infection. Antibodies produced in response to hepatitis A infection last for life and protect against reinfection. The best way to prevent hepatitis A infection is to get vaccinated.
2. Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). Hepatitis B is transmitted when blood, semen, or other body fluids from a person infected with the Hepatitis B virus enters the body of someone who is not infected. This can happen through sexual contact; sharing needles, syringes, or other drug-injection equipment; or from mother to baby at birth. For some people, hepatitis B is an acute, or short-term, illness but for others, it can become a long-term, chronic infection. Risk for chronic infection is related to age at infection: approximately 90% of infected infants become chronically infected, compared with 2%–6% of adults. Chronic Hepatitis B can lead to serious health issues, like cirrhosis or liver cancer. The best way to prevent Hepatitis B is by getting vaccinated.

What Are Travel Vaccinations?

Travel vaccines or immunizations, are shots that travelers can get before visiting any area abroad. These vaccines or immunizations can help protect people from serious illnesses. All of these vaccinations work by exposing the body to parts of the germs from any disease a person wants protection against. You can’t get the disease from these vaccines or immunizations, because the viruses or bacteria are already dead or they have been severely weakened. The body responds to the vaccine appropriately by making antibodies that will protect a person in the future if they become exposed to the disease later on. Travel vaccines are a very safe, and effective way to help protect travelers from bringing home any unexpected viruses or diseases.

Remember…

Getting vaccinated doesn’t have to be a scary proposition. The possible viruses or diseases that result in the illnesses listed above are typically much scarier than any needle might be. According to an expert who was the director of USC International Travel Health Services Jeffrey Goad (PharmD, MPH), “In almost all circumstances, it’s very rare for someone not to need vaccines,” says Mr. Goad. He has also explained that travel vaccines highly recommended for anyone traveling abroad (man, woman, child, or anyone else). “Every time I see a patient, I check general routine vaccines,” says Goad. In addition, Mr. Goad has stated that, “many people are not up to date on their adult immunizations.” These immunizations include protection against such viruses/diseases as tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis vaccinations.

Get Vaccinated Before You Go!

Contact The Travel Clinic in NYC before you go on that once in a lifetime trip. Your family, your friends, and your body will thank you. Call for an appointment or general information today at (212) 686-5835 and be prepared for all of your journeys ahead. The Travel Clinic in New York City is one of the top Travel Clinics in the country. Our renowned professionals here offer everything from Yellow Fever Shots to Hepatitis A & Hepatitis B Travel Vaccinations in NYC.