in Illness
Complete Guide to Preventing Hepatitis A and B in Thailand
Planning to go to Thailand? Then you should pay attention to your personal hygiene and avoid sharing needles or any equipment used for piercings and tattoos to prevent getting hepatitis!
Why the fuss about Hepatitis? Well, it is estimated that approximately 3.5 million people in Thailand suffer from Hepatitis B today and as early as the 80’s Hepatitis A was the main cause of acute viral hepatitis.
In this Pacific Prime Thailand guide we will look at Hepatitis A and B in Thailand and ways of prevention.
What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is the inflammation of liver tissues. It is commonly caused by a virus infection. There are five main strands of the hepatitis virus, commonly referred to as types A, B, C, D, and E. Whilst they all cause liver disease, each strand differs significantly in terms of their modes of transmission and severity.
In this article we will mainly be looking at hepatitis A (Hep A) and hepatitis B (Hep B), in particular their presence in Thailand.
Hepatitis A vs Hepatitis B
The differences between Hep A and Hep B are in the viruses that cause the infection, the methods of transmission, and whether or not it can be cured. As of now, there still is no specific cure for Hep B.
The main difference between Hep A and Hep B is that almost everyone makes a full recovery from Hep A and as mentioned above, there is no specific cure for Hep B. However, Hep B can be prevented through vaccination.
Acute or Chronic?
Hep A is not known to cause long term damage to the infected. Typically, the infected will recover within months. There are rare cases where those infected with Hep A die from liver failure. Hep B on the other hand can be both acute and chronic.
For those with an acute Hep B infection, their bodies’ immune system will likely be able to clear the virus within a few months. During the time, it is advised you drink lots of fluids, maintain a healthy diet, avoid alcohol and physical activities.
An acute Hep B infection can turn into a chronic illness. As there is no specific cure for Hep B, those with chronic Hep B must undergo treatment for life to slow the advance of liver scarring and damage, reduce the chances of liver cancer and improve long-term health.
Transmission
Hep A is commonly transmitted via the fecal-oral route. This is commonly seen in families with poor personal hygiene where the virus is transmitted from the hands of infected family members into food or water that is shared.
On the other hand, Hep B is commonly transmitted through exposure to contaminated blood or other bodily fluids. Hep B is commonly transmitted through sharing needles, tattooing, and unprotected sexual interactions.
Hepatitis in Thailand
Before the 80’s, Hep A was the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis in Thailand. But thanks to improved sanitation, education, and socioeconomic status Hep A transitioned from high endemicity to low endemicity.
According to Samitivej Hospital, there are currently approximately 3.5 million people suffering from chronic Hep B in Thailand. However, the proportion of infected individuals aged 20 or younger is below one percent due to the government’s introduction of hepatitis B vaccinations for newborns in 1992.
While hepatitis A and B are showing signs of decline especially in the younger generations, it is still advised that expat and tourists take precautions when visiting or relocating to the Land of Smiles.
Methods of Prevention
There are several ways to prevent hepatitis infection. As hepatitis is generally transmitted through exposure to contaminated food, water, and blood, paying close attention to personal hygiene, needles, and practicing safe sex give you a better chance of prevention.
Hepatitis A
As mentioned earlier, Hep A is commonly transmitted via fecal-oral route. Paying close attention to your personal hygiene and ensuring that the food and water you consume are clean can already reduce your risk significantly.
WHO Hep A Preventions:
- adequate supplies of safe drinking water
- proper disposal of sewage within communities
- personal hygiene practices such as regular hand washing before meals and after going to the bathroom
Hepatitis B
Hep B is preventable with a vaccine. But to reduce your risk of infection, avoid sharing needles, be mindful of your personal hygiene and wash your hands thoroughly especially after coming into contact with blood and other bodily fluids.
WHO Hep B Preventions:
- Practice safe sex by using condoms and reducing the number of sexual partners
- Avoid sharing needles or any equipment used for injecting drugs, piercing, or tattooing
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after coming into contact with blood, body fluids, or contaminated surfaces
- Get a hepatitis B vaccine if working in a healthcare setting
Insurance Options
If you are relocating or planning to visit the Land of Smiles in the future, it would be smart to secure health and travel insurance before the trip. If hepatitis is one of your primary concerns, you should check your plan’s coverage details to see if Hep B vaccinations are covered.
Thailand is a tropical paradise, which means that it also comes with a lot of humidity making it a perfect breeding ground for pests such as mosquitoes. To ensure that you’re insured during your stay, check out our Guide to Staying Healthy in Thailand!
Conclusion
Thailand is a wonderful place to visit as a tourist and relocate to as an expat. The country offers incredible healthcare services, especially in the cities such as Bangkok. Although there may be risks of Hep A and HBV, there are ways you can prevent them both with lifestyle choices and vaccinations.
Before you go to Thailand be sure to take proper precautions. Make sure to take our recommended vaccinations to reduce your risks. With the right insurance, you can ensure that you have medical coverage in the case of illnesses or emergencies.
Find the right plan for you today at Pacific Prime Thailand! Our experts are skilled at simplifying insurance, and they can help you navigate through the countless plans our partners offer to present to you the best plans that fit your needs and budget.
Contact us today for a free quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hepatitis common in Thailand?
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by infectious viruses. There are five strands of hepatitis virus, namely A, B, C, D, and E. Approximately 3.5 million people suffer from hepatitis B in Thailand.
What vaccinations should I get before going to Thailand?
It is recommended that you get the following vaccinations before you visit or relocate to Thailand: hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, and typhoid. Consult your doctor to see which vaccinations are right for you.
How long does hepatitis B shots last for?
According to the CDC, there are studies that have found that immunologic memory remains intact for at least 30 years among healthy individuals who have taken the hepatitis B vaccination at less than 6 months of age.
Can I still get hepatitis B after getting vaccinated?
No. Once you have completed the vaccination series, you cannot contract hepatitis B through any means of transmission. Note that the vaccination only works if you have not previously contracted the infection.
Born and raised in the cultural melting pot that is Hong Kong, and having studied at an international school, Vista has developed a multicultural perspective that he uses in his writing and strives to connect to people of different backgrounds.
In his free time, Vista enjoys immersing himself in different worlds, from video games to light novels and movies. His hobbies help him expand his writing style by putting himself in the point-of-view of different people and characters.
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