Page contents: What are the symptoms of hepatitis B? | How is hepatitis B spread? | How to prevent hepatitis B | Download document

Some people are at increased risk for hepatitis B infection. These people include injecting drug users, household contacts of hepatitis B carriers and people post release from a correctional facility.

A lot of new hepatitis B infections are occurring in people who already have hepatitis C. Infection with more than one type of hepatitis can increase the risk of liver disease and make treatment or management of both viruses more difficult. However, hepatitis B is easily prevented with full vaccination.

What are the symptoms of hepatitis B?

• Tiredness
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal discomfort
• Pain in the joints
• Dark urine
• Yellow eyes or skin OR
• Some people have no symptoms

Many people recover from a new hepatitis B infection and when tested again in 6 months they are negative, however some people become long-term carriers of the virus.

A long-term hepatitis B infection may lead to liver failure and/or cancer. People with long-term hepatitis B may feel well and not even know they have the virus, but they are still infectious to others.

How is hepatitis B spread?

• The virus can be found in blood, and to a lesser degree, other body fluids such as semen, vaginal secretions, or saliva.
• Transmission of the virus may occur if infected blood enters another person’s blood stream through sharing equipment used for injecting drugs, sharing razors, toothbrushes or nonsterilised piercing equipment.
• Hepatitis B can be spread if people have unprotected anal or vaginal intercourse, especially if there is blood present. Hepatitis B is very efficiently
  transmitted sexually, especially from infected men to women.
• The virus can be passed from mother to baby during or shortly after birth.

How to prevent hepatitis B

• Get vaccinated – free hepatitis B vaccine is available for people at increased risk; ask for an appointment at your community health service.
• Never share stuff that may have blood on it: equipment used for injecting drugs, toothbrushes, razors etc.
• Use a condom every time.
• If you think you have been exposed to hepatitis B recently see a doctor immediately to talk about post exposure treatment.
• Infants and children (aged 10 to 13) are vaccinated free of cost under the National Immunisation Program but there may be costs associated for adults who are not at increased risk of hepatitis B.

Download document

Don't get hep B! It's easy (95kb, pdf)