Hepatitis B
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 it is 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 to do if you 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
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