South Gloucestershire Council

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