Hepatitis A and B (Twinrix)
Hépatites A et B (Twinrix)
$85
Hepatitis A and B
What are hepatitis A and B?
Hepatitis A and B are two serious liver diseases caused by the hepatitis A and B viruses.
At-risk destinations for hepatitis A and B.
Both viruses are endemic (constantly present) in much of the developing world. Many popular travel destinations such as the Caribbean are considered risk areas for unprotected travellers. In fact, you can contract hepatitis A or B even if you stay at a 5-star resort.
How can I contract hepatitis A?
You can contract the hepatitis A virus by eating food or drinking beverages that have been contaminated by human fecal waste.
Resort activities that may put you at risk for hepatitis A include:
- Eating food handled by an infected worker who did not wash his/her hands properly after using the washroom
- Eating raw or undercooked seafood and shellfish that lived in sewage-polluted water
- Eating salads or produce rinsed in contaminated water
- Drinking contaminated water or drinks with contaminated ice
- Bathing, showering, or swimming in contaminated water
How can I contract hepatitis B?
You can contract hepatitis B by coming into contact with the bodily fluids (such as blood, semen, vaginal fluid, or saliva) of an infected person.
Resort activities that may put you at risk for hepatitis B include:
- Getting a manicure, pedicure, tattoo, piercing, or acupuncture with improperly sterilized tools
- Having sexual contact with an infected partner
- Giving first aid to, or receiving it from, an infected person
- Receiving a medical or dental procedure with contaminated equipment
- Sharing personal grooming items (such as nail clippers) with an infected person
Hepatitis A can survive up to 10 months in water and on dried surfaces for 7 days.
Hepatitis B can survive on surfaces for at least 7 days.
What are the symptoms of hepatitis A and B?
Not all infected adults will experience symptoms. That means you could contract hepatitis A or B, and spread the viruses to others, without realizing it.
Symptoms of hepatitis A may include*:
- Fever
- Nausea
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Abdominal discomfort
- Feeling unwell
- Dark urine
- Fatigue
Symptoms of hepatitis B may include*:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Abdominal discomfort
- Joint pain
- Dark urine
- Clay-coloured stool