Before you kick the year off with a new diet and exercise regimen, watch tips on how to do it correctly.
Information and Resources
Protect yourself from hepatitis A when traveling
Immunization against the hepatitis A virus (HAV) is recommended for anyone traveling to any country or areaexcept:1
- Australia.
- Canada.
- Japan.
- New Zealand.
- The United States.
- Western Europe and the Scandinavian countries (Norway, Sweden, and Finland).
Talk to your doctor before visiting any other areas.
If you plan to travel to a part of the world where sanitation is poor or wherehepatitis Ais a known problem, see your doctor about receiving the hepatitis A vaccine,immune globulin(IG), or the combination hepatitis A and B vaccine. (Risk ofhepatitis Bincreases if you go to a high-risk country frequently or stay for a long time.)
- If you complete the hepatitis A vaccination series, it is believed that you will be protected against hepatitis A virus (HAV) for at least 20 years.2In adults (people older than 18 years of age), it is best if the first shot is given at least 4 weeks before a person may be exposed to the hepatitis A virus. But the vaccine does provide some protection shortly after the first shot.3A second shot should be given 6 to 18 months later to prolong protection. (Immunization with hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all children beginning at 1 year of age. Two separate doses are given at least 6 months apart. The second shot should be given 6 to 18 months after the first shot.)4
- If you receive IG and are planning an extended stay in an area where hepatitis A is a problem, you should get a higher dose of IG. You will need to get additional injections of the same high dose of IG every 3 to 5 months.
- Immune globulin (IG) is made from components of human blood. There is no risk of getting a bloodborne disease from IG made in the United States. The safety of IG manufactured in other countries cannot be guaranteed.
- If you will be visiting countries where hepatitis A is a problem and you will be staying for less than 3 months, you will receive enough protection at a lower cost by choosing the IG injection. But if you plan to travel abroad on a regular basis, getting the vaccine will save you money in the long run.
- People who are allergic to the components of the hepatitis A vaccine and children younger than 1 year of age should receive IG.
When traveling in an area where hepatitis A is a known problem or where water quality is questionable:
- Boil water before drinking it. Bring the water to a rolling boil for 1 minute. If you are at an elevation of6562ftor higher, boil the water for 3 minutes. Do not drink tap water or well water or beverages containing ice cubes.
- Do not brush your teeth with tap water or well water.
- Make sure all foods are cooked well, especially shellfish.
- Eat only raw fruits and vegetables that you have washed in uncontaminated water and peeled yourself.
- Don't swim in water that has not been treated with chlorine.
- Don't drink bath or shower water.
Citations
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2008). Prevention of specific infectious diseases: Hepatitis, viral, type A.Yellow Book: Health Information for International Travel 2008.Available online: wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/ch4/hep-a.aspx.
Craig AS, Schaffner W (2004). Prevention of hepatitis A with the hepatitis A vaccine.New England Journal of Medicine, 350(5): 476-481.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2007). Update: Prevention of hepatitis A after exposure to hepatitis A virus and in international travelers. Updated recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).MMWR, 56(RR-41): 1080-1084. Also available online: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5641a3.htm.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2008). Recommended immunization schedules for persons aged 0-18 years-United States, 2008.MMWR, 57(01): Q1-Q4. Also available online: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/wk/mm5701-immunization.pdf. [Erratum inMMWR, 57(12): 319. Also available online: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5712a6.htm.]
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
September 09, 2008
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.
Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this
information.
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
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