Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B (also called hep B) is caused by a virus that infects the liver. The virus can be found in blood and bodily fluids, including semen and vaginal fluid. 

As the hepatitis B virus infects the liver, symptoms often include abdominal pain (right side) and dark coloured urine. However, some people will experience no signs or symptoms of infection. 

Most adults will fully recover from a hepatitis B infection; however, if left untreated some will develop a long lasting, chronic infection. 

Most newborn babies do not recover from a hepatitis B infection and will have the disease for the rest of their lives. 

Vaccination is the best way to prevent getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B may also be transferred from a mother to baby during birth or in the time after birth. 

In less common cases, hepatitis B may also be spread by contact with personal items such as contaminated razors and toothbrushes.

Due to screening of blood products and organs for transplant, contracting hepatitis B through a blood transfusion or organ transplant is not likely in Australia.

There are precautions you can take to reduce your risk of hepatitis B infection:

• Ensuring you and your family are immunised against hepatitis B
• Use condoms every time you have anal or vaginal intercourse
• Avoid oral sex if you or your partner has herpes, ulcers or bleeding gums
• Only receive piercings or tattoos from experienced practitioners who follow good sterilisation and hygiene practices
• Wear disposable gloves if you need to give someone first aid or to clean up blood or other bodily fluids
• Never share needles, syringes, spoons, swabs or water if you inject drugs.
   

If you have hepatitis B, you can reduce the risk of transmitting the virus by:

• Avoiding sharing personal items such as toothbrushes and razors
• Ensure close contacts are immunised against hepatitis B
• Cover any wounds with waterproof dressings
• Practise safe sex
• Consider discussing your condition with your healthcare professional when undergoing any procedures.

Hepatitis B may present with no symptoms, which means the person may not know they have the infection and may be unwittingly spreading the virus to other people. 

In most cases the symptoms (if present) appear three months after initial exposure to the virus, however, this can range from six weeks to six months. Most adults will make a complete recovery from the infection; however, most infants and about half of young children will persist to a chronic infection for the rest of their lives. 

Chronic hepatitis B infection carries with it an increased risk of liver cirrhosis (scarring) and liver cancer.

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.