Hepatitis B

There is no particular risk of developing this type of disease in Vietnam, however we find it useful to communicate about this disease in order to prevent its effects.

Hepatitis B is a viral infectious disease of the liver that is transmitted essentially through blood, sexual relations, and contaminated blood products: contaminated needles, transfusions, open wounds… A very important route of contamination is perinatal transmission from mother to child. Furthermore, the virus can also be transmitted through scratches, bites, or wounds. Finally, it is possible that the saliva of some carriers contains a sufficient quantity of infectious particles capable of transmitting this hepatitis B.

The incubation period of hepatitis B lasts between 6 weeks and 6 months. During the infection, the virus is active in the body, the liver loses its normal function, and it is this malfunction that is responsible for the symptoms of this hepatitis B: jaundice, intense fatigue for several months, dark urine, pale stools, …

Hepatitis B, What Are the Risks?

Normally, it can be said that hepatitis B is asymptomatic. When it is symptomatic, infection with this virus generally causes significant morbidity. It is estimated that the risk of fulminant hepatitis is between 1‰ and 1%, with a death risk greater than 30%.

If adults contract the infection, the risk of becoming chronic carriers of the virus is 1 in 10. This chronic infection can persist for months or years, even until the end of life. These people often do not appear to be sick but are contagious, sometimes without knowing it. The worst part of this infectious disease is the risk of aggressive chronic hepatitis in patients, a risk estimated at 3% of all cases of infection. Generally, this chronic hepatitis B leads over the years to cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Contamination by this hepatitis virus is a very concerning public health problem in many countries around the world. The endemic zones of the hepatitis B virus are increasingly well-known tourist destinations. It is estimated on average at 4/100,000 cases of infection in travelers per month. But this number can increase significantly with risk behaviors.

Who Is at Risk?

Vaccination should always be recommended by your doctor for:

– Those who travel regularly to Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Despite vaccination against hepatitis B, the risk of contracting other sexually transmitted diseases and/or AIDS remains always real.

– Travelers, for example lovers of trekking, extreme sports.

– Intravenous drug users, during tattoos performed with non-disinfected tools, acupuncture sessions.

– People likely to undergo medical procedures, including acupuncture or dental care, are considered for vaccination.

– Those departing for an extended period, namely several months, to endemic destinations.

– Immigrants and their children who return to their home country to visit family.

– Employers or workers who make repeated or prolonged stays for professional reasons in countries where this hepatitis B is widespread.

– All members of the medical staff and other health professionals (regardless of whether they travel or not).

– Children who will live in a developing country where they will often have contact with the local population.

Where Can You Contract Hepatitis B?

The virus of this disease can be contracted in Vietnam, but the risk is much lower compared to other countries in the world.

How to Avoid Hepatitis B?

To avoid this hepatitis, the only lasting solution is vaccination. Currently, there is an effective vaccine against both hepatitis A and hepatitis B.

Where to Get Vaccinated?

It is always available in pharmacies, the vaccine can be administered by staff at an authorized vaccination center or by your primary care physician. A vaccination cycle normally includes three doses: the second injection is performed one month after the first, the third six months after the first.

Where to Get Vaccinated?

Available in pharmacies, the vaccine can be administered by your primary care physician or by staff at an authorized vaccination center.

The vaccination cycle normally includes three doses. The second injection is administered one month after the first, and the third is administered six months after the first.