Planning a trip? What you should know about hepatitis A and B

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If you have travel plans for the summer, it’s a good idea to check your hepatitis vaccination. Because in many popular travel destinations, holidaymakers can become infected with hepatitis A or B viruses and bring back an inflammation of the liver as an unwanted souvenir, warns the German Liver Foundation. We clarify the most important questions:

What kind of disease is hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A viruses are mainly transmitted via contaminated food and water. They cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, a general feeling of illness, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

In addition, the skin and conjunctivae can turn yellow, which is why hepatitis A is also known as traveler’s jaundice. According to the German Liver Foundation, inflammation usually heals without complications; however, liver damage can persist.

And what about hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B viruses are transmitted through bodily fluids, including blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and saliva. You can also become infected via shared objects such as razor blades, sex toys, syringes, or toothbrushes, writes the Federal Institute of Public Health on the “infektionsschutz-info.de” portal.

Hepatitis B viruses can also cause liver inflammation with flu-like symptoms. This pathogen can lead to a chronic course of illness. It can be the starting point for secondary diseases such as liver cirrhosis or liver cell cancer, accompanied by

Does vaccination against hepatitis A and/or B make sense for me?
To find an answer to this question, it makes sense to seek advice from a travel medicine specialist. The German Liver Foundation advises taking advantage of this six to eight weeks before you travel. An overview:

Hepatitis A:

According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), vaccination is recommended when traveling to Central and South America, Africa, and Asia. Hepatitis A vaccination is also recommended for travel to Eastern European countries.

A basic immunization consists of two vaccinations. The second shot is given six to twelve months after the first. Good news for all those who only address the issue of hepatitis protection shortly before their trip: Just two weeks after the first vaccination, most vaccinated individuals have developed sufficient protection, according to the German Liver Foundation.

Hepatitis B:

The basis is an individual risk assessment. The RKI recommends that travelers only be vaccinated against hepatitis B if one or more risk factors are present. These include, for example, a travel duration of more than four weeks or plans to undergo surgery or dental procedures in the destination country.

Basic immunization against hepatitis B consists of three doses of the vaccine. The second shot is given one month after the first, and the third shot is given five months after the second. Some of those vaccinated experience short-term protection after just one or two vaccinations, according to the RKI.

There are also combination vaccines that protect against hepatitis A and B. Good to know: In many cases, health insurance companies cover the costs of travel vaccinations.