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Below is some information about Hepatitis B, if you have any concerns or or questions then contact your GP or call NHS 24 on: 08454 24 24 24

What is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis type B or HBV is a viral infection of the liver. It has been around for many years and blood tests to diagnose the condition became available in 1970.

How do you catch Hepatitis B?
HBV, like Hepatitis C and HIV, is a virus transmitted by contact with blood. Like HIV, Hepatitis B can also be spread to sexual partners or babies of mothers (vertical spread) with the virus. The Hepatitis B virus can be found in the blood and, to a lesser extent, saliva, semen and other body fluids of an infected person. It is spread by direct contact with infected body fluids; usually by needle stick injury or sexual contact. Hepatitis B virus is not spread by casual contact.Those particularly likely to be infected include;
•Anyone who has ever injected drugs
•Those who have had blood transfusions or organ transplants
•Those who have had a needle stick accident from an HBV carrier
•Sexual contacts of those who are HBV carriers
•Babies of mothers who are HBV carriers Is there a test for Hepatitis B?There are very good blood tests that can diagnose 99% of those infected with HBV.

What happens to those with HBV?
As with other types of hepatitis only about 10% of individuals who catch HBV are initially unwell with jaundice (yellow skin) or acute hepatitis. Many individuals found to be carriers of HBV do not seem to have had any symptoms or know that they have caught HBV. The symptoms of Hepatitis B include:
•fatigue
•poor appetite
•fever
•vomiting
•and occasionally joint pain and a rash.
•Urine may become darker in colour,
•and then jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) may appear.

Is it possible to prevent infection with HBV?
A vaccine to prevent Hepatitis B has been available for several years. It is safe, effective and can be obtained from your local GP. Also by always practising safe sex and safe needle share you will also decrease your chance of catching the infection.