Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a virus that can infect and damage the liver. It is carried in the blood and it is usually transmitted by blood-to-blood contact such as sharing needles when injecting drugs, or sharing razors or toothbrushes that are contaminated with infected blood. It can also be sexually transmitted.
Symptoms
Many people with hepatitis B don’t have any symptoms. Symptoms can include:
- fever
- tiredness
- feeling sick or being sick
- yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)
- pain in your upper tummy
Testing
A blood test can check if you have hepatitis B.
If you need a test, you can:
- contact us via phone: 0300 123 5474
- come along to one of our walk-in and wait clinics:
Prevention
If you think you have been exposed to hepatitis B you should seek medical advice immediately. Medication can be given to reduce the risk of infection but it is most effective if given within 48 hours of exposure.
Other ways in which hepatitis B can be prevented include:
- using condoms for sex. Free condoms are available in our clinics
- not sharing any drug injecting equipment, such as needles, syringes or spoons
- not using unlicensed premises for tattoos and piercings
- not using razors and toothbrushes that might be contaminated by blood
- a vaccine is available through the NHS for people at high risk of hepatitis B. This includes men who have sex with men, sex workers, people who inject drugs and people whose partners have or are at high risk of hepatitis B.
More information