Hepatitis B is a virus that is very infectious (that means easy to catch). It can cause an acute (serious, but short-term) illness or chronic (serious and long-term) illness.
How you get it:
Unprotected penetrative sex, sharing contaminated needles or razors, babies born to infected mothers or by receiving an (untested) blood transfusion. A vaccination (jag) is available which can prevent someone getting Hepatitis B. The jag is recommended for those who are at greater risk including: men who have sex with men, health care workers, injecting drug users and people who work in the sex industry.
Symptoms:
Often there are none, but they can include feeling tired, unwell, sick or becoming jaundiced (yellowing skin).
Treatment:
No specific treatment for an acute illness – most people make a full recovery. There are treatments for chronic illness which are very effective – but it is a serious illness if untreated which can lead to liver disease.
If it’s not treated:
Can cause permanent liver disease including liver cancers.
N.B Hepatitis C is not an STI, but a virus that attacks the liver and is often passed on by sharing needles and/or blood.
My sexual partner has Hepatitis B– what should I do?
Visit one of the Scottish Borders Sexual Health clinics or call us on 01896 663700 to discuss further.
For more information on Hepatitis B
