July 28, 2020 is the annual World Hepatitis Day. It serves to provide information about possible consequential damage from hepatitis infections and sensible protection options. Undetected and untreated, hepatitis B can lead to liver damage and the development of liver cancer.
Table of Contents
290 million affected worldwide
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around 290 million people worldwide are unaware that they are carriers of the hepatitis B virus and can infect others unnoticed. Vaccination against hepatitis B is therefore also important in Germany. Viral hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by different types of viruses (A, B, C, D and E). Well-tolerated and effective vaccines against hepatitis A and B have been around for decades.
In Germany, the hepatitis B vaccination has been one of the standard vaccinations for all infants, children and adolescents recommended by the STIKO (Standing Vaccination Committee at the RKI) since 1995. Vaccination is also useful for all adults. All general practitioners can carry out a consultation with a vaccination card check and the vaccination.
How hepatitis B is transmitted
And: if you are protected against hepatitis B, you cannot get hepatitis D either! Hepatitis B virus is transmitted through all body fluids, especially blood, semen and vaginal fluid. Transmission therefore takes place via sexual intercourse, domestic contact (shared use of e.g. nail scissors, nail files and towels) and in the medical field (e.g. needlestick injuries, treatment with non-sterile instruments). The symptoms of the disease are often non-specific and initially manifest themselves in the form of tiredness, nausea, vomiting or upper abdominal pain. The infection can become chronic and go unnoticed and lead to liver cirrhosis (shrinkage of the liver) and liver cancer in the long term.
Why vaccination makes sense, especially before you go on vacation
Anyone traveling abroad should also be vaccinated against hepatitis A. Because already in the Mediterranean region and Eastern Europe there is an increased risk of infection with hepatitis A, which is transmitted faecal-orally. Sources of transmission can be contaminated water and ice cubes or food that has been in contact with contaminated water (eg, salads, vegetables ), as well as mussels or other seafood. Therefore, it makes sense to get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B in good time before the trip (at least 5 weeks).
After a successful vaccination, a vaccination protection of 30 years can be expected in healthy people.
