Page last updated
18 January 2022
North America, Northern Europe and Australia have a low incidence of hepatitis B. Countries in the Mediterranean, parts of Eastern Europe, Africa, Central and South America have higher rates. The highest rates of hepatitis B exist in sub-Saharan Africa, South East Asia and the Pacific Islands.
If you are travelling to countries with higher incidences of hepatitis B or those which may not screen their blood supply in case of a blood transfusion, there are several precautions you can take:
- Get immunised before you travel
- Practise safe sex – use condoms correctly
- Do not share drug-injecting equipment
- Limit alcohol consumption as people tend to take more risks when intoxicated
- Do not share toothbrushes, razors, piercings or needles
- Avoid tattoos and acupuncture unless you are sure they equipment is appropriately sterilised
- Before any medical or dental procedures, ensure equipment used is sterilised appropriately.