Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a virus which is spread through bodily fluids and in a few cases can cause a serious infection of the liver.

It can disappear, stay inside you without doing anything or create life-long illness – but in adults it’s usually harmless.

Here we will discuss the signs and symptoms of Hepatitis B, as well as, how to get treated.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a virus which is spread through bodily fluids and in a few cases can cause a serious infection of the liver.

It can disappear, stay inside you without doing anything or create life-long illness – but in adults it’s usually harmless.

Here we will discuss the signs and symptoms of Hepatitis B, as well as, how to get treated.

Signs and Symptoms

It’s common for adults to not show any obvious symptoms and usually you will see the infection go away without treatment.

But, in children and young people it can persist for a few years and may even cause liver damage.

If you do show symptoms, they may include:

Flu-like symptoms, including tiredness, a fever, and general aches and pains
Loss of appetite
Feeling and being sick
Diarrhoea
Tummy pain
Yellowing of the skin and eyes

How is it Transmitted?

Gonorrhoea can be spread in a few different ways and may be transmitted from blood or other bodily fluids like semen and vaginal fluids.

Here are some of the ways you can get it:

Unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex
From a mother to her new-born baby in places where infection is common
By injecting drugs and sharing needles and drug equipment
By having a tattoo, body-piercing, or medical or dental treatment in an unhygienic environment
By sharing toothbrushes or razors contaminated with infected blood

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Prevention

In the UK, a vaccine for hepatitis B is given to babies as part of their routine childhood vaccinations. There is also a vaccination available later in life for people at risk of infection.

You can also help prevent the spread of and contracting hepatitis B by:

Using a condom every time you have vaginal or anal sex
Using a condom to cover the penis during oral sex
Avoid sharing sex toys without washing in-between uses

Treatment

If you think you might have hepatitis B it can be scary but there’s still time to prevent the infection. Emergency treatment can help stop the virus from taking hold.

If you do end up getting infected, it’s not the end of the world. There are different types of hepatitis B and some of them are only temporary. If you have acute hepatitis B, which only lasts for a few weeks or months, you might only need treatment to relieve your symptoms. This could include things like rest, fluids and over-the-counter pain relievers.

If you have chronic hepatitis B, which is a long-lasting infection, you might be offered treatment with medicines which can reduce the risk of liver damage. These medicines are usually taken for life but they can help you live a long and healthy life.

So, if you’re feeling worried or scared, please talk to your doctor or one of our sexual health professionals. They can help you understand your options and make the best decision for your health.

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FAQs

Hepatitis B

Clear answers to common questions

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