The liver is a vital organ that filters toxins, produces bile and stores energy. When the liver is infected with a hepatitis virus, its function is disrupted. Many people are infected without realising it, because the early symptoms may be unclear. Knowing about the disease and protecting yourself with a vaccine are therefore key to caring for your liver health.
Getting to know hepatitis A and B
There are several types of hepatitis virus, but the two that are common and can be prevented by vaccine are type A and type B, which spread in different ways.
- Hepatitis A spreads through contaminated food and water, such as raw food, ice, or food prepared in unhygienic conditions. It usually resolves on its own and does not become chronic, although some people may have severe symptoms.
- Hepatitis B spreads through blood, sexual contact, sharing needles or sharp objects, and from mother to baby during childbirth. It is the type that can become chronic.
Why hepatitis B is concerning
People infected with hepatitis B, especially from childhood, have a chance of becoming chronic carriers, in whom the virus may gradually damage the liver without symptoms for many years, increasing the long-term risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer. This is why early protection with a vaccine is so important.
Preventable with vaccines and good hygiene
Both hepatitis A and B have safe and effective vaccines. When you complete the full schedule, they build immunity that helps protect against infection over the long term, together with eating freshly cooked and clean food, drinking clean water, avoiding sharing sharp objects, and practising safe sex.
Protection, and how many doses are needed
Vaccination is the most direct way to protect yourself. The doctor will recommend a vaccination schedule according to the type of vaccine and each person's risk.
- Hepatitis B in adults is usually given as 3 doses, at months 0, 1 and 6
- Hepatitis A is usually given as 2 doses, about 6–12 months apart
- For hepatitis B in adults, a blood test is usually done first to check for existing immunity and infection
Who should be tested and vaccinated
People in at-risk groups should consider being tested and vaccinated in particular, to ensure they have appropriate protection.
- All newborns (the hepatitis B vaccine is a basic immunisation)
- People who live with, or have a partner who is, a hepatitis B carrier
- Healthcare workers and those whose work risks contact with blood
- People who need to travel to areas where hepatitis A is endemic
- People who do not yet have immunity and want long-term protection of their liver
At Doctor Chat Clinic, we provide hepatitis screening and vaccination by a doctor, with an individual assessment of suitability. Every vaccine is stored in a temperature-controlled system at hospital-grade standards, to maintain maximum effectiveness and safety.
When you should see a doctor promptly
If you have symptoms that may indicate hepatitis, you should see a doctor promptly for diagnosis.
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Unusual severe tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting
- Dark urine like strong tea, and pale stools
- A tight ache under the right rib cage, or an accompanying fever