Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. It can be caused by different viruses, including hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. These illnesses are not all spread in the same way, and the risks, prevention, and treatment are different for each type.
This article is intended as general information for expatriates living in or moving to Indonesia. It should not replace advice from your doctor or travel medicine specialist.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is found in many parts of the world, including Indonesia. It is usually spread through contaminated food or water, or through close contact with an infected person. The risk is higher in places where sanitation is poor, but travelers can be exposed even when staying in comfortable accommodation.
Symptoms usually begin a few weeks after infection. They may include fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, stomach discomfort, dark urine, and jaundice, which is yellowing of the skin or eyes. Many children have only mild symptoms, while adults are more likely to feel seriously unwell. In rare cases, hepatitis A can cause liver failure, especially in older adults or people with existing liver disease.
The best protection is vaccination. Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for unvaccinated travelers to Indonesia. The standard vaccine is usually given as two doses, with the second dose given several months after the first to provide longer-lasting protection.
Travelers should also be careful with food and water. Drink safe water, avoid ice if you are unsure of the source, eat food that is freshly cooked and served hot, and wash your hands regularly.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. It can be short-term, but in some people it becomes chronic and may lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer.
Hepatitis B is spread through infected blood and certain body fluids. Common routes include unprotected sex, sharing needles, unsafe medical injections, tattooing or piercing with unsterilized equipment, contact with infected blood, and transmission from mother to baby during childbirth.
Hepatitis B is not spread by casual contact such as hugging, holding hands, sharing plates or cups, coughing, sneezing, or eating food prepared by someone with hepatitis B.
Expatriates and travelers who are not already immune should consider hepatitis B vaccination before relocating to Indonesia. The vaccine is highly effective when the full schedule is completed. If there is not enough time to complete the series before departure, it is still useful to begin the program before leaving and complete it at a reputable clinic after arrival.
To reduce your risk, use condoms, avoid sharing razors or toothbrushes, make sure needles and syringes are sterile, and use only reputable clinics, dentists, tattoo studios, or piercing providers. If you are hospitalized or may need a blood transfusion, contact your doctor, corporate medical department, or international medical provider for guidance.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is also a liver infection, but it is spread mainly through blood-to-blood contact. It is not spread through normal social contact, food, water, hugging, coughing, or sharing meals.
Common risks include sharing needles, receiving unsafe injections, exposure to contaminated medical equipment, tattooing or piercing with unsterilized instruments, and blood transfusions in places where blood screening is not reliable. Sexual transmission is possible, but the risk is generally lower than with hepatitis B.
Many people with hepatitis C have no symptoms for years. Others may experience tiredness, nausea, abdominal discomfort, or jaundice. If untreated, chronic hepatitis C can slowly damage the liver and may lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer over time.
There is currently no vaccine for hepatitis C. However, treatment has improved greatly. Modern oral antiviral medicines can cure more than 95% of hepatitis C infections, usually within 8 to 12 weeks. Anyone who thinks they may have been exposed should speak with a doctor and arrange proper blood testing.
People with hepatitis C should avoid alcohol, protect their liver health, and ask their doctor whether they should be vaccinated against hepatitis A and hepatitis B.
General Prevention Tips
Before relocating to Indonesia, speak with your doctor or a travel medicine clinic about hepatitis A and B vaccination. Keep a record of your vaccinations and blood test results.
In Indonesia, choose reputable medical and dental providers. Make sure needles are new and sterile. Be cautious with tattoos, piercings, acupuncture, and any procedure that may involve blood. Avoid sharing personal items such as razors, nail clippers, or toothbrushes.
If you are exposed to someone else’s blood or body fluids, seek medical advice as soon as possible.
We trust this information will assist you in making informed choices regarding your health and welfare. However, it is not intended to be a substitute for personalized advice from your medical adviser.
Our appreciation to International SOS, an AEA Company, who contributed the original article in response to an inquiry about hepatitis in Indonesia.
