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Hepatitis B

 

How serious is it?

The majority of adults who are infected with Hepatitis B recover fully. Less than ten percent of adults become chronically infected. However, continuing liver inflammation and damage may lead to cirrhosis and, over time, liver cancer.

Can it be prevented?

Vaccination can provide full protection. A course of three injections is prescribed, although protection is not complete until after the third injection.

People in regular contact with people with Hepatitis B should be vaccinated. Friends and occasional visitors do not need vaccination.

Safe sexual practices and condom use are highly recommended for anyone with Hepatitis B. Sharing injecting equipment has a high risk of infection.

Carefully cleaning and covering cuts, scratches and open wounds with a sticking plaster and cleaning any spilt blood with household bleach can reduce the risk of infecting others.

Children born to infected mothers and people who may have been exposed to the virus are given an immediate injection of immunoglobulin, followed by two more injections at monthly intervals.

How is it treated?

Most people do not need treatment, as they do not develop any significant liver inflammation. They may feel tired, but eventually recover and acquire life-long protection against the virus.

If infected for longer than six months, patients will need to be seen regularly by a liver disease specialist. The current treatment is with antiviral drugs.

Find out what to do if you think you have caught Hepatitis. You can contact our Environmental Health Team using the contact information in the menu on the right.

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