WHAT IS IT ?
Hepatitis B is a liver disease caused by a virus spread through contact with body fluids. In about 20% of Hepatitis B cases the route of transmission is unknown.
Hepatitis B can result in liver failure, liver cancer and death.
WHERE IS IT FOUND ?
Travellers to many regions of the world will be at risk of Hepatitis B infection.
Prevention is vitally important.
HOW TO PREVENT IT ?
Be careful about obtaining medical and dental procedures overseas. The instruments used can spread Hepatitis B and C.
Sexual contact can spread Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS.
Get vaccinated for Hepatitis B. The vaccine is very safe and effective.
LEARN MORE
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a serious virus infection of the liver that is spread by sexual contact, by exposure to contaminated medical and dental instruments, by tools and sharp instruments used by hairdressers and spas, and shared or reused needles. Giving or receiving First Aid may also pose a very small risk.
Following infection, symptoms begin 1-6 months later. They include fever, loss of appetite, nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
Most people recover from the illness in 4-6 weeks, but in some it may take months. Long term infection may lead to liver failure and liver cancer. Some people go on to be long term carriers of the disease and can continue to spread it to others
Quick Facts
- Over 2 Billion people worldwide have been infected with Hepatitis B.
- Hepatitis B can survive on surfaces for at least 7 days.
- Up to 80% of liver cancer is caused by Hepatitis B
- Despite being symptom-free, one can still spread the illness to others for years.
- Vaccination for Hepatitis B is extremely safe and effective.
To get your Hepatitis B vaccine
To get your Hepatitis B vaccine call the GTA Travel Clinic and Vaccination Centre at 905 303 1900. We cover the Toronto, Richmond Hill and Woodbridge areas for Hepatitis B Vaccine
Please note: The information in this document is provided for general information purposes only. Nothing takes the place of speaking with a travel doctor. This information and your receipt thereof is not intended to be, nor shall be deemed to be, informed consent by you to any medical care or treatment whatsoever. Please consult our doctors at the GTA Travel Clinic and Vaccination Centre for a proper medical assessment.
Note that the vaccine is not a benefit of O.H.I.P. for adults.
If you have private health insurance through work or school you may be covered for vaccines. With your payment we will provide you with an invoice (with the unique Drug Identification Number for each vaccine) so you can claim your expenses back from your insurance company.
Insurance companies will require Drug Identification Numbers for each vaccine in order to reimburse you.
Click here to find the names and phone numbers of major Insurance Companies.
1-844 303-1900
