hepatitis B

Transmission - through contact with contaminated blood or bodily fluids.

Disease - a viral disease of the liver.

Symptoms - lack of appetite, vague abdominal discomfort, nausea and vomiting.

Treatment - specialised medical treatment needed.

Prevention - immunisation. Avoidance of risk activities such as unprotected sexual intercourse.

Vaccine - three injections are given over a six-month period. For those with less time prior to departure, there are two more rapid schedules available - one over two months and one over three weeks but both these require a booster after twelve months.