This article discusses liver inflammations caused by hepatitis A and B viruses and the vaccines developed against them.
Hepatitis is a general term for liver inflammation, which can be caused by hepatitis or other viruses, alcohol, drugs, and toxins. This article only covers hepatitis A and B. There are several hepatitis viruses, in addition to A and B, such as C, D, and E. Currently, vaccines exist for hepatitis A and B.
Infection caused by hepatitis A virus (HAV) is common in countries with low hygiene standards and tropical countries. Hepatitis A virus spreads through feces via contact or through water or food contaminated by the virus. HAV does not become chronic in the body, and the disease often resolves within 2-4 weeks.
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is transmitted through unprotected sex and via blood. HBV can cause chronic liver inflammation, liver cirrhosis, or liver cancer. Some people infected with HBV become virus carriers, which can lead to more severe consequences later. HBV is transmitted through unprotected sex and via blood (e.g., through shared syringes and needles). Other possible routes include blood transfusions in developing countries and procedures such as acupuncture, tattooing, and piercings where sufficient hygiene has not been maintained.
Symptoms of hepatitis A often start suddenly in adults, and initial symptoms include nausea and loss of appetite. Fever and abdominal pain are also typical symptoms of the affected person. The change of skin and eyes to yellow occurs a few days after the onset of initial symptoms. This is because the damaged liver cannot break down the breakdown product of hemoglobin, bilirubin. In children, the disease can be asymptomatic.
Hepatitis B is asymptomatic in most affected individuals. About 40 percent experience symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin and eyes, and sometimes muscle and joint pain. It is common for symptoms to disappear within a couple of weeks. In rare cases, the infection can lead to liver necrosis. HBV infection can become chronic, which can cause liver failure, further increasing the risk of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.
There is no medication for hepatitis A. The disease has no treatment, and it heals on its own, although it can take months for adults. Sometimes hospitalization may be necessary.
Hepatitis B often heals on its own, but hospitalization may be necessary if symptoms are very severe. Medication can be used for chronic HBV, aiming to reduce the amount of virus and thus prevent the onset of chronic inflammation. Medication does not remove the virus.
Vaccines have been developed against hepatitis A and B virus infections, which effectively protect against the diseases. Vaccines are available both against only A and B hepatitis and as a combination vaccine that vaccinates against both these viruses.
Combination vaccine is recommended especially for those who travel frequently. The combination hepatitis vaccine is divided into three vaccination sessions. The first two doses are given one month apart, and the third dose six months after the first dose. The hepatitis vaccine is currently considered lifelong, meaning booster vaccinations are not needed after these three doses.
Typical side effects of the vaccine are temporary tenderness and redness atthe injection site, as well as headache, nausea, and fatigue. More rare symptoms include fever, skin symptoms, and other hypersensitivity reactions. Local and general symptoms do not prevent further vaccinations. However, the vaccine cannot be given to individuals who have had an anaphylactic reaction from a previous A and B vaccine dose.
The vaccine is provided free of charge to individuals who have an increased risk of contracting hepatitis A and B infections. These individuals include those receiving regular care, those with bleeding disorders, injectable drug users and their partners and family members, as well as men who have sex with men.
You can seek hepatitis vaccination through Mehiläinen. Book an appointment easily online.
TIETOPAKETIT Viruses belonging to the coronavirus family can cause respiratory infections in humans, ranging from mild colds to more severe diseases.
The RS virus is a common virus that causes respiratory infections, particularly affecting children, the elderly, and individuals in risk groups due to their health conditions.
Influenza is a disease in which influenza viruses cause inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. Influenza occurs every winter, causing influenza epidemics.
Article updated:
25 April 2025