Hepatitis B

What is hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a virus that infects the liver.

How do you get infected with hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is spread through blood, sexual activity and from mother to baby in pregnancy, so you can be born with hepatitis B infection. It can be spread by blood transfusions, sharing toothbrushes and razor blades, tattooing and ear piercing (if non-sterile equipment is used).

What symptoms does hepatitis B cause?

• Flu-like symptoms.
• Loss of appetite.
• Feeling sick or vomiting.
• Diarrhoea.
• Stomach pain.
• Yellowing of skin or eyes.

In some cases, hepatitis B infection causes no symptoms and resolves in a few months without treatment. In other cases, it can persist for years and might cause damage to the liver or even cancer of the liver. Many people do not know they have hepatitis B infection.

How do we treat hepatitis B?

Treatment given depends on how long you have been infected for. Treatment will be free of charge.

We will refer you to the Hepatitis Clinic to discuss this. We will also arrange for you to have an ultrasound of your liver before this appointment.

How do you prevent the spread of hepatitis B?

• Follow usual precautions to avoid contact with blood.
• Do not share toothbrushes or razor blades.
• You must use barrier protection (condoms) for sexual intercourse. Do not get tattoos or piercings except in registered premises.
• You can still share kitchen utensils and bathrooms with others, as it cannot be spread through saliva.
• If you are pregnant, make sure that your team know so that the risk of passing the infection to your baby can be reduced.

Vaccination

There is a vaccine available for hepatitis B. This is routinely available as part of the NHS vaccination schedule for babies and at-risk groups. Those who live with someone with hepatitis B infection should be offered this vaccine.