Hepatitis means the infection of the liver. There are many types of Hepatitis: A, B, C, D, E and G at last count. At Bids Chemist, travel clinic based in Norbury, we offer travel vaccinations and medicines for major and highly common Hepatitis types. They are Hepatitis A and hepatitis B.
Hepatitis A
It is a viral infection that spreads through contaminated water and food. It causes inflammation of the liver.
Countries at risk
Hepatitis is prevalent in every corner of the globe, but its occurrence is much higher in parts of Central and South America, Africa, Asia. Poor sanitation, contaminated water & food are the major causes of Hepatitis A infection amongst travellers.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms take almost two weeks to show after the incubation period. Symptoms can be mild in children, but in adults, the infection may cause severe illness. Common symptoms of Hepatitis A include muscular aches, fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea, weight loss, abdominal pain and yellow discolouration of the eyes and skin.
Prevention
Hepatitis A can be prevented with a vaccine. Travellers to areas mentioned above are recommended to have one of the following courses of vaccination:
A single course of Havrix Monodose injection to cover against Hepatitis A
Three injections of Twinrix to offer protection against Hepatitis A as well as Hepatitis B
A single course of Hepatyrix to cover against Hepatitis A as well as Typhoid fever
A single course injection followed by a booster can offer long-term protection.
Ideally, travellers should get vaccinated at least two weeks before travel. The initial dose will provide short-term protection for a single trip, while the course of Havrix monodose is 2 courses one 0 and booster 6/12 months.Once both courses are done the protection lasts for 25 years.
Hepatitis B
It is a viral infection that is spread through bodily fluids and infected blood. It can lead to critical liver problems and often proves fatal. Hepatitis B is almost 100 times more infectious than HIV.
Countries at risk
Hepatitis B has a global reach. Eastern Europe, Africa, Russia, China, India, South and Central America, South East Asia and many islands in the South Pacific have a higher risk of exposure to this virus.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of Hepatitis B include flu-like symptoms, gastrointestinal upset, mild fever, nausea and vomiting, high temperature, yellow eyes and skin, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.
Prevention
It can be prevented with a vaccine. Our travel clinic in Norbury offers both hepatitis A and B vaccination at affordable rates. You can also visit us if you stay around Croydon Thornton Heath and Streatham. The following vaccine courses are effective against Hepatitis B.
A course of three injections of Engerix B to cover against Hepatitis B
A dose of three injections of Twinrix to cover against Hepatitis A as well as Hepatitis B
We pride ourselves on offering our customers a quick, efficient service.