What is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a liver infection that can cause long-term damage to the liver if left untreated. In the UK transmission is low, however you may be at risk if you travel to high-risk regions (Asia, Africa and the Middle East) or have sexual partners from these regions. Once you have been infected you will develop immunity to the infection.
Where to get help in Bexley
If you think you might have hepatitis B or want to get tested, you can visit your local sexual health clinic or GP in the London Borough of Bexley. They can provide confidential testing and treatment. You can also order a free self-test kit if you're under 25.
If you are exposed to the infection, you may be able to receive preventive treatment which works best in the first 48 hours of exposure.
For more information, visit the NHS website or contact your local healthcare provider.
The Hepatitis B virus can be spread through blood, semen and vaginal fluids. It can be transmitted via oral, anal or vaginal sex, blood transfusions, infected needles (from drugs, tattoos and piercings), sharing toothbrushes, and through pregnancy/childbirth.
Both males and females experience the same symptoms with hepatitis B infection. These can include:
- Fever or high temperature
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Pain in your upper right side
- Nausea and vomiting
- Skin itching, irritation or hives
- Jaundice (yellowing skin and whites of the eyes)
There may not be symptoms during the early stages of infection, so testing is the only way you will know if you are asymptomatic.
- Use condoms when you have vaginal or anal sex.
- Use a condom to cover the penis, or a latex or plastic square (dam) to cover the vagina if you have oral sex.
- Test after every new sexual partner, or every year if you do not change sexual partners regularly.
- Complete the full treatment that you have been prescribed and attend all your follow-up appointments.
- Do not share sex toys (if you do, wash and cover them with a new condom before anyone else uses them).
- Do not share needles, toothbrushes or razors.
- Get the Hepatitis B vaccination if you have not had it before and are deemed high risk.
The Hepatitis B vaccine is included as part of the NHS vaccination schedule.
If you are deemed high risk of catching or becoming seriously ill from Hepatitis B, you can receive the vaccine as an adult.
Booster vaccines are available for people at risk of catching it through their work, if they have been exposed to the virus, and people who have kidney failure.
Hepatitis B usually clears the body without treatment, but you may be prescribed medications to help ease the symptoms. You will be referred to a liver specialist to monitor your liver function.
Chronic infection (infections that last 6 months or more) is treated with antiviral medication along with medications to help ease the symptoms.
A doctor or nurse ask about your recent sexual history, and perform a blood test where you will be tested for Hepatitis B as well as HIV and Hepatitis C. You will receive a text or phone call with your results.
You will be encouraged to inform your previous and recent sexual partner(s) if you are diagnosed with Hepatitis B, or this can be done anonymously for you through a partner notification service. It is important to be open and honest with your partner(s) so they can test and receive any treatment they need.
If left untreated, Hepatitis B can cause liver damage (cirrhosis) and increase your chances of getting liver cancer, however, most people do not have any long-lasting problems after infection.
During your pregnancy, you will be offered a blood test which detects blood-borne infections such as Hepatitis B, Syphilis and HIV. If you test positive for Hepatitis B, you may receive treatment to prevent you from passing it onto your baby.
If you are living with Hepatitis B and are pregnant, you will be referred to a specialist for monitoring and planning your pregnancy care. Once your baby is born, they will receive preventative care in the form of vaccinations and a final blood test shortly after they turn 1.
You can breastfeed if you are living with Hepatitis B and your nipples are not cracked, sore or bleeding (to avoid transmitting it from your blood). You can also breastfeed if you are prescribed medication to manage or treat your Hepatitis B infection.