Hepatitis B (HBV) is a viral infection that affects the liver. Many people don’t have symptoms in the early stages, which is why it’s sometimes called the “silent killer.”

👩‍⚕️ Symptoms

Acute (short-term) infection:

Symptoms usually appear 1–4 months after exposure. Some people have no symptoms at all. When they do occur, they may include tiredness, fever, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, abdominal pain (right side), dark urine, pale stools, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), and joint or muscle aches. Symptoms often improve within weeks to months, but about 5–10% of adults develop chronic infection.

Chronic (long-term) infection:

Many people feel completely well for years, even while the virus silently damages the liver. If untreated, it can eventually cause scarring (cirrhosis) or liver cancer. Symptoms of advanced disease may include persistent tiredness, swelling in the belly or legs, easy bruising, severe jaundice, and sometimes confusion.

🔎 How It Spreads

Hepatitis B is spread through infected blood, semen, or other body fluids.

This can happen through:

Unprotected sex with an infected person.

Medical or dental treatment in countries where equipment may not be sterilised properly.

Tattoos, piercings, or acupuncture with unsterile needles (common in tourist areas).

Sharing razors, toothbrushes, or needles.

Accidental exposure in healthcare settings.

For travellers, risk is higher if you have casual sex overseas, or consider tattoos or medical procedures.

🌍 Travel Risks (Asia)

High: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Afghanistan.

Intermediate to High: Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Myanmar.

Intermediate: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, China, Mongolia, Taiwan.

Low: Japan and South Korea.

Vaccination: Recommended for all travellers to most Asian countries, especially South and Southeast Asia.

🌍 Travel Risks (Africa)

General risk: High across most of sub-Saharan Africa. Prevalence is intermediate to high, meaning a significant proportion of the population is infected.

High-risk countries: Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, DR Congo, Zambia, Cameroon.

Urban vs rural: Risk exists in both urban and rural areas due to medical procedures with unsterilized equipment, sexual transmission, and traditional practices (scarification, tattooing).

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers to Africa.

🌍 Travel Risks (South America)

General risk: Moderate. Prevalence is higher in the Amazon basin, rural areas, and indigenous communities.

Higher Risk: Northern Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, Venezuela.

Urban vs rural: Urban centres generally have lower prevalence, but risk remains, especially for medical procedures, tattoos, and sexual exposure.

💉 Vaccination

The Hepatitis B vaccine is safe and effective.

It’s strongly recommended if you:

May have casual sex while travelling.

Are considering tattoos, piercings, or medical/dental treatment overseas.

Work in healthcare or might be exposed to blood.

If you’re unsure whether you’re protected, a simple blood test can check your immunity before travel.

✅ Key Takeaway

Hepatitis B is preventable. Many people don’t know they are infected until liver damage has already occurred. Vaccination offers long-lasting protection, and safe practices (condoms, sterile equipment, avoiding blood exposure) reduce your risk.