Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is the most common travel disease you can prevent with a vaccine. Visit our travel clinic before your trip to talk to a pharmacist about the vaccine.
Know before you go:
The infection is caused by the Hepatitis A virus and it affects your liver.- The virus spreads through food and water contaminated with stool or feces from a person infected with hepatitis A (even in very small amounts)
- Hepatitis A is a concern everywhere, but is more common in Africa, Asia, Central and South America, and Mexico.
- It’s a concern even with short stays, in city areas and in luxury hotels.
Note: For the most up to date and detailed information on hepatitis A, see Travel Canada.
Tips for preventing hepatitis A include:
- Protect yourself with the vaccine before you travel.
- Follow the steps for proper hand washing with soap and water.
- Be cautious with:
- Public water that may contain raw sewage.
- Food and water from any area that does not look clean.
- Take the recommended steps to eat and drink safely while you are away.
Hepatitis B
Because of how it spreads, it is a concern everywhere. A vaccine is available. Visit our travel clinic before your trip to talk to a pharmacist about the vaccine.
Know before you go:
- The infection is caused by the Hepatitis B virus and it affects your liver.
- The virus spreads easily from one person to another through blood and bodily fluids infected with hepatitis B virus.
- The virus most commonly spreads through these activities:
- Unprotected sex
- Injection drug use
- Blood transfusions
- Unsterilized medical/dental equipment (in tattooing, acupuncture, body piercing)
- Sharing toothbrushes and razors
- Health care work with blood and patients infected hepatitis B virus
Note: For the most up to date and detailed information on hepatitis B, see Travel Canada.
Tips for preventing hepatitis B include:
- Protect yourself with the vaccine before you travel.
- Protect yourself if you participate in the activities identified as risky for Hepatitis B infection.