Hepatitis B is an infection that affects the liver. It is spread through semen, blood, and vaginal secretions. However, vaccinations make it simple to prevent. Before going abroad, visit Shivas Pharmacy and receive a hepatitis B vaccine in West Croydon.

Some individuals can have hepatitis B for a very long time, however, the virus usually lasts a few months. The NHS vaccination programme includes regular doses of the hepatitis B vaccine. Additionally, those who are more likely to develop the condition or its complications, such as liver cirrhosis and liver cancer, get the vaccine.

Transmission of hepatitis B

There are numerous ways that hepatitis B can spread. These include:

– Mother-to-child transmission, particularly in areas with a high infection rate.
– Sharing needles and injecting drugs.
– Engaging in unprotected oral, anal, or vaginal sex with a sick person.
– Using contaminated equipment for body piercing, medical or dental procedures, or tattooing.
– Receiving a blood transfusion in places where hepatitis B blood testing is not done.
– Sharing razors and toothbrushes that have been contaminated with diseased blood.
– Exposure to infected blood through cuts or wounds.

However, hepatitis B cannot be spread through kissing, sharing cutlery and utensils, hugging, sneezing, holding hands, or coughing.

Symptoms of hepatitis B

Symptoms of the infection include:

– A high temperature
– Patches of raised skin that may be itchy (hives)
– Pain in your upper tummy
– Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)
– Fatigue
– Feeling sick or being sick

Most patients either have no symptoms or just moderate symptoms for the duration of the illness, which typically lasts 1 to 3 months. Hepatitis B infection that persists for more than six months is referred to as chronic.

High-risk regions

Although Hepatitis B can be found anywhere in the world, it is most prevalent in:

– Parts of South America
– The Pacific Islands
– Sub-Saharan Africa
– Southern regions of eastern and Central Europe
– The Middle East
– East and Southeast Asia
– The Indian subcontinent

Most hepatitis B cases in the UK are brought in by people who may have been to the above locations.

Hepatitis B vaccine in West Croydon

Hepatitis B is best prevented with vaccination. Babies in the UK receive the 6-in-1 vaccine, which includes the hepatitis B vaccine.

To lessen the chance that their children would contract the infection, babies born to hepatitis B-positive mothers receive extra immunisations at birth, 4, weeks, and 1 year later.

As part of the routine UK immunisation schedule, all children born in the UK after 1 August 2017 should get the hepatitis B vaccine. Anyone who was born before August 1, 2017, and who has not received a routine dose of the hepatitis B vaccine, may be at risk of contracting the disease when travelling.

It is necessary to get the hepatitis B vaccine if:

– You will be travelling to countries where the hepatitis B virus is prevalent
– The activities you plan to engage in might expose you to the virus
– Your HIV status is positive
– You have liver or kidney disease
– Your job puts you at risk of infection – for instance, you’re a healthcare worker or work in a prison

In the UK, there are currently numerous vaccination brands that offer hepatitis B protection. Therefore, the healthcare professional will recommend one that suits you.

Who should get a Hepatitis B Vaccine?

All newborns get Hepatitis B vaccinations. Other groups that could gain from the vaccine include:

– People who inject drugs
– Prisoners
– Individuals who have multiple sexual partners
– Gay men
– Male and female sex workers
– Babies of infected mothers
– Family members and sexual partners of hepatitis B patients
– Anyone who undergoes regular blood transfusions
– Those travelling to high-risk areas
– People with certain kinds of liver or chronic kidney conditions
– Those who come in constant contact with body fluids like blood, for instance, nurses, doctors, and lab workers
– People who have adopted children from hepatitis b high-risk areas

Recommendations for travellers

Ideally, 6 to 8 weeks before your trip, you should schedule a travel health consultation with your local pharmacy. We will be able to offer you suggestions on how to prevent hepatitis B and how to get the hepatitis B vaccine.

Even if you have had a Hepatitis B vaccination, you should still take precautions to lessen your risk of exposure. Visit your GP or pharmacist as soon as you can if you think you may have been exposed to the Hepatitis B virus while travelling.

Book your appointment with Shivas Pharmacy today for your hepatitis B vaccine in West Croydon.

 

 

This blog post was written on behalf of Shivas Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.