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Hepatitis B

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What is hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver. The virus is found in blood and bodily fluids such as semen, which is why it’s classified as a sexually transmitted infection (STI). While hepatitis B can cause serious health problems, it is preventable and treatable.

How do you get hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is most commonly spread through unprotected sex with someone who is infected. It can also be transmitted through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids. To lower your risk of hepatitis B, it's important to practise safe sex, especially if you’re unsure of your partner’s medical history.

For those at higher risk, the NHS offers a hepatitis B vaccine, which is an effective way to prevent infection.

Symptoms of Hepatitis B

Not everyone with hepatitis B experiences symptoms, and some people may fight off the infection without even knowing they had it. However, if symptoms do appear, they usually develop one to three months after being infected.

Symptoms of hepatitis B can feel similar to the flu or a bad stomach bug, and may include:

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Fever
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Aches and pains
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Nausea and vomiting
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Diarrhoea
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Abdominal pain
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Loss of appetite

In addition, three other key symptoms to look out for are:

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Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes
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Dark urine
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Pale stools

If you notice these symptoms, it’s important to get tested.

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Testing for Hepatitis B

If you believe you may have been exposed to hepatitis B or are experiencing symptoms, it’s crucial to get tested. You can visit your GP or a sexual health/GUM clinic for a blood test to check for the virus. Testing is especially important if you’re at higher risk, such as if you’ve had unprotected sex or are in a high-risk group.

If you’ve recently been exposed to the virus, emergency treatment may be available to prevent infection. Ideally, this should be given within 48 hours of exposure for the best chance of preventing hepatitis B.

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Treatment for Hepatitis B

If you test positive for hepatitis B, the treatment depends on whether your body can fight off the virus on its own. Many people recover without needing treatment, but for those who don’t, ongoing treatment may be necessary to manage the infection and prevent liver damage.

The most common treatments include:

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Antiviral medications: These help control the virus and prevent complications.
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Peginterferon alfa 2-a: This medication helps boost your immune system to fight the virus.

If you need further support, we can arrange an appointment with one of our clinicians who can discuss the best treatment options for you.

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