Get Hepatitis B information from Consumer Reports Health.

Hepatitis B

How common is hepatitis B?

In the United States, hepatitis B is not that common. It's much more common in other parts of the world.

For example:

In Western Europe, North America, New Zealand and Australia, less then 2 in every 100 people have hepatitis B
In parts of Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia, South America and the Middle East, more than 8 in 100 people have hepatitis B.

Source:
Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin.
What can be done about hepatitis B?
Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin. 2006; 44: 41-44.

¹

You can get a vaccine to protect you against hepatitis B. So, if you're planning to travel abroad, you should find out from your local travel clinic or primary care doctor whether you are going to an area where hepatitis B is common. Your primary care doctor will let you know if you should have a vaccination.

Source:
Department of Communicable Diseases Surveillance and Response, World Health Organization.
Hepatitis B.
2002. World Health Organization. Available at http://dosei.who.int (accessed on 24 July 2007).

As well as being vaccinated, there are other things you can do to make it less likely you'll get hepatitis B when you are traveling. For more information, see Reducing your risk of catching hepatitis B.

Sources for the information on this page:

Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin. What can be done about hepatitis B?Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin. 2006; 44: 41-44.

Department of Communicable Diseases Surveillance and Response, World Health Organization.Hepatitis B.2002. World Health Organization. Available at http://dosei.who.int (accessed on 24 July 2007).

This information was last updated on Jul 25, 2008

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.

The information on ConsumerReportsHealth.org should not be viewed as a substitute for a consultation with a medical or health professional. The information is meant to enhance communication with your doctor, not replace it. Consumers Union can not be liable for any loss, injury, or other damages related to your use of this information.

Your use of this information is subject to our User Agreement available at www.ConsumerReportsHealth.org.