Hepatitis B
Overview
Hepatitis B is a liver infection spread through blood and body fluids. You can be vaccinated against hepatitis B and the chance of getting it in the UK is low. The infection usually only lasts for a few months, but some people can have it long term.
Symptoms
Most people with hepatitis B either have no symptoms or mild symptoms. If you do get symptoms, they can include: a high temperaturetirednesspain in your upper tummyfeeling sick or being sicka raised rash that may be itchy (hives)yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice) – yellowed skin may be less noticeable on brown or black skindarker urine than usualpale poo The infection usually lasts for 1 to 3 months. If the infection lasts longer than 6 months it is called chronic hepatitis B.
Causes
Viral (HBV). Spread via blood/sexual fluids (unprotected sex; sharing needles; mother-to-baby).
Treatment
Hepatitis B usually clears up on its own without treatment. You may be offered medicine to help with the symptoms, such as painkillers or medicines to stop you feeling sick. Your GP will refer you to see a liver specialist who will check how well your liver is working. If hepatitis B lasts for over 6 months it is called long-term (chronic) hepatitis B. There is no known cure for chronic hepatitis B. It's usually treated with antivirals, and medicine to help control the virus and relieve symptoms such as itchiness, pain and sickness. You will also need to see a liver specialist for regular check-ups.
Prevention
Vaccine (routine for babies/risk groups); condoms; don't share needles/razors.
When to see a doctor
See GP/Sexual Health if: risk exposure; symptoms. Urgent: post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) needed within hours/days.