Hepatitis B
Worldwide chronic hepatitis B is a common infection. Many people are infected with this virus in certain parts of the world eg, Africa and China and it is rarer in other places eg, UK. The most common routes of transmission are through sex, sharing injecting equipment (not just needles) and transmission from mother to child.
Hepatitis B is caused by a virus.
Symptoms
Most people with hepatitis B do not develop symptoms, however some people may experience:
* Mild-flu like symptoms
* Nausea
* Loss of appetite
* Jaundice
* Itchy skin
Very rarely people may require hospital treatment.
If you have had close contact with someone who has hepatitis B, make sure you get checked out.
Diagnosis
Hepatitis B is diagnosed by a blood test
Treatment
Most adults infected will recover and develop life-long immunity, however a small percentage will become chronic and may have problems in the long term. These problems include liver failure and liver cancer. If you develop chronic hepatitis B you should be seen by a liver specialist.
Prevention
Hepatitis B can be prevented by vaccination. In some parts of the world you will automatically be vaccinated against hepatitis B. If you are a man who has sex with men, you have multiple sexual partners, you live with someone who has chronic hepatitis B, you use drugs (either injecting or snorting), ask your local clinic for vaccination.
Don’t feel pressured into saying yes to having sex or taking drugs. It’s ok to say no. Remember the more people you have sex with the more likely you are to be infected. If you are sexually active, have regular screening and make sure your partner is screened too. Use condoms, although they are not 100%, they will reduce your chances of getting infections if they are used correctly EVERY time you have sex.
If you are an injector always use your own equipment – don’t share it and dont use anyone elses.
