January 4, 2022

What is Hepatitis B & Why do I need a Vaccine in Coventry Before Travelling?

Whatever your reason for jetting off, you will need to consider the vaccines you need before you go. This is especially true if you are travelling for work that puts you at a higher risk of contracting Hepatitis B. However, there is no need to worry – we are here to help with our ultimate guide. Keep reading to find out what Hepatitis B is, and how you can get the Hepatitis B vaccine in Coventry.

Where is Hepatitis B found?

Ordinarily, Hepatitis B is not common in the UK. Any new cases tend to come from high-risk countries. These include:

– Parts of South America

– Southern parts of Central and Eastern Europe

– The Pacific Islands

– The Indian Subcontinent

– The Middle East

– Sub-Saharan Africa

– Southeast and East Africa

Regardless of where you are jetting off to, we recommend checking the NHS Fit for Travel site for the vaccines you need well in advance of your travels.

What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is spread through direct contact with blood or bodily fluids from an infected individual. It is a liver infection that can be caught through:

– Having unprotected sex with someone who is infected

– Getting a piercing, tattoo, dental or medical treatment in an unsterilised environment

– Accidentally puncturing your skin with a used needle

– Getting infected blood into an open wound

What symptoms should I look out for?

Hepatitis B tends to manifest through symptoms such as:

– A loss of appetite

– Abdominal pain

– Diarrhoea

– Stomach pain

– Flu-like symptoms, including a fever, tiredness and aches and pains

– Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

How can I prevent Hepatitis B?

Essentially, you should avoid contact with blood and bodily fluids where possible. You can do this by:

– Using protection during sexual intercourse

– Having adequate protection if contact is unavoidable, for example due to occupation

– Avoiding getting a tattoo, acupuncture or a piercing in the absence of sterile equipment

– Not sharing shaving tools

You can learn more about preventing Hepatitis B here:

More On Hepatitis B

Person getting the Hepatitis B vaccine in their arm.

Why might I need a Hepatitis B vaccine for occupational travel?

The vaccine is the safest, most effective way to protect yourself. 9 in 10 adults develop protection against Hepatitis B as a result. It is especially important to get it if you work in occupations such as:

– Firefighters

– Medical waste disposal workers

– Care home or healthcare workers

– Sewage workers

– Medical environment cleaners

– Policing or prison staff

In the case of these particular professions, they increase your risk of coming into contact with bodily fluids.

How to get the Hepatitis B vaccine in Coventry

If you are visiting any of the destinations above, we would recommend visiting us for your vaccine. The initial schedule consists of 3 doses. The time between doses depends on how soon you need your vaccine. We offer a range of travel vaccines to suit your needs; you can find out more below. Get in touch to book your Hepatitis B vaccine today.

Travel Vaccine Guide Vaccine Prices Book Now

 

This blog post was written on behalf of The Travel Health Clinic by Pharmacy Mentor.

 

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