Hepatitis A and B: Vaccination before the trip - your vacation stays healthy!

Hepatitis A and B: Vaccination before the trip - your vacation stays healthy!

Mittel- und Südamerika, Afrika, Asien, osteuropäischen Ländern - Travelers who are planning a trip for the summer should urgently review their vaccination protection against hepatitis. The Robert Koch Institute [Radio Wins] reports that hepatitis A is mainly transmitted by contaminated food and water. The symptoms of hepatitis A are usually flu -like and include fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and jaundice. Although hepatitis a usually heals without complications, long -lasting liver damage can occur.

In contrast, hepatitis B is transmitted via body fluids such as blood, sperm, vaginal secretion and saliva. A infection can also be made through jointly used objects, such as razor blades, injections or toothbrushes. Hepatitis B can also cause flu -like symptoms, but carries the risk of a chronic course. Chronic hepatitis B can lead to serious illnesses such as liver cirrhosis or liver cell cancer in the long term.

Important vaccination recommendations

Personal medical advice is recommended at least 6-8 weeks before the start of the trip to carry out the corresponding vaccinations in good time. Special vaccination recommendations for hepatitis A apply especially to trips in Central and South America, Africa, Asia and Eastern European countries. In order to ensure comprehensive protection, two vaccinations are necessary for basic immunization against hepatitis A. The second dose should be done 6-12 months after the first, with protection after the first vaccination is usually sufficient after two weeks.

For hepatitis B, vaccination is recommended, especially in risk factors such as a travel time of over four weeks or planned medical interventions. The basic immunization against hepatitis B consists of three doses, with the second dose being administered one month after the first and the third dose five months after the second. Part of the vaccine may have reached short -term protection after one or two vaccinations.

Combination vaccines and assumption of costs

Travelers should also know that combi vaccines are available against hepatitis A and B. This can be a practical option to optimize vaccination protection. According to the information from [ready] to travel, the costs for travel vaccinations can be covered by the health insurance companies.

It is important to note that this information is only intended as general information for travelers and cannot replace the consultation of a doctor. The recommendations primarily refer to direct entry from Germany to the respective travel destination, whereby deviating regulations can apply to shorter stays or entry from third -party countries. Due to the individual circumstances of the traveler, medical advice may be necessary so that all aspects can be optimally covered. The information is based on the recommendations of the constant vaccination commission (STIKO) as well as the German Society for Tropical Medicine, Travel Medicine and Global Health e.V. (DTG).