Hepatitis B is an infectious illness caused by the Hepatitis B virus. Symptoms include fever, nausea, loss of appetite, rash, jaundice, dark-coloured urine and abdominal pain. These symptoms can last for a number of months. Causes
Possible routes of infection are:
- Using contaminated needles to inject drugs
- Having unprotected sexual intercourse
- Tattooing, acupuncture, electrolysis and body-piercing equipment if not sterilised properly before use
- Open wounds contaminated by blood or body fluids
- The body's mucous membranes (eg. mouth and eyes) coming into contact with blood or body fluids
- Using toothbrushes or razors that have been contaminated by an infected person
- A newborn baby can be infected by a mother carrying the virus
How is it spread?
It is spread when a person comes into contact directly or indirectly with an infected person.
Precautions
- Never share needles or syringes
- Use a condom when having sex
- Don't share razors or toothbrushes
- If you are having a tattoo, acupuncture, electrolysis or your body pierced, always go to a registered practitioner
- Use protective gloves and disinfectant to clean up blood or body fluid spillages
- Follow safety advice if you work with blood or blood products
What happens if I get Hepatitis B?
If you have been diagnosed as having Hepatitis B or are a carrier, it is very important that you look after your own health and take steps to prevent it being passed on:
- Follow the precautionary measures listed above
- If you are going to the doctor, dentist or acupuncturist, tell them you have Hepatitis B so that safety measures can be taken
- Do not give blood
- Do not undergo chiropody, be tattooed, have your body pierced or use electrolysis until you have been cleared
- Take care to clean up blood spillages if you cut yourself
- Cover any cuts or abrasions immediately