Risks

You are at risk of hepatitis A and B here in Canada or when travelling abroad.

• Hepatitis A is a virus that is spread through contaminated food, such as raw or poorly cooked seafood and shellfish, and contaminated water.  You will be putting yourself at risk for this disease if proper hand-washing protocol has not been followed, water has not been properly treated, or food has not been properly cooked.
• In Canada, outbreaks of hepatitis A happen rarely, but are possible when someone infected with the virus, such as a food handler, touches the food you eat. 
• Hepatitis B is a virus that is spread through blood and body fluids. Having unsafe sex with a new partner, having a manicure or pedicure, getting a tattoo or piercing or undergoing emergency first aid while on holiday, could potentially put you at risk of contracting hepatitis B.
• If you are planning a spring break trip or other travel to destinations such as Mexico, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, Latin America, or eastern Europe, the risk of contracting hepatitis A may be higher because of improper food handling and preparation, or poor sewage and water purification systems.
• If you are in close contact with someone who has just returned from visiting a country where hepatitis A is more common, they may have gotten the virus without even knowing it and you could be exposed if they handle food or water in an unsanitary fashion.

Prevention

• It doesn’t matter if you travel just once or many times – you may be at risk of getting hepatitis A or B. Get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B, especially if you are traveling to a high-risk area. There is a combined hepatitis A and B vaccine available.
• If you are going to be in contact with anyone who has been to a high-risk area, take steps to avoid exposure through food or drink.
• Before you travel, visit your doctor or local Traveller's Health Services (in Edmonton call 780-735-0101 to make an appointment). They will be able to let you know of any risks for the country you’re going to, and make sure you have the vaccinations, medications and information you need to stay healthy.

Check out our LIVERight Travel Checklist