Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is an infectious illness caused by the Hepatitis B virus. It is recognised initially by the symptoms. These can include fever, nausea, loss of appetite, rash, jaundice, dark coloured urine and abdominal pain. These symptoms can last for a number of months.

Possible routes of the infection are:

• using contaminated needles to inject drugs
• having unprotected sexual intercourse
• tattooing, acupuncture, electrolysis and body piercing equipment if not sterilised properly before use
• open wounds contaminated by blood or body fluids
• the body's mucous membranes (for example, mouth and eyes) coming into contact with blood or body fluids
• using toothbrushes or razors that have been contaminated by an infected person, and
• a new born baby can be infected by a mother carrying the virus

It is spread when a person comes into contact directly or indirectly with an infected person.

Precautionary measures

• never share needles or syringes
• use a condom when having sex
• don’t share razors or toothbrushes
• if you are having any tattoos, acupuncture, electrolysis or your body pierced, always go to registered practitioners, ask to see their Certificate of Registration issued by Department
• close contacts and people in occupations where they may come into contact with infected persons should seek medical advice as vaccination may be appropriate
• blood or body fluid spillages should be cleaned up using protective gloves and disinfectant, and
• follow safety advice if you work in contact with blood or blood products

Diagnosed Hepatitis B or a carrier

If you have been diagnosed as having Hepatitis B or are a carrier, it is very important you look after your own health and take steps to prevent it being passed on. For example:

• follow the precautionary measures listed above
• if you are going to the doctor, dentist or acupuncturist, tell them you have Hepatitis B so that safety measures can be taken
• don't give blood
• don't undergo chiropody, be tattooed, have your body pierced or use electrolysis until you have been cleared
• take care to clean up blood spillages if you cut yourself, and
• cover any cuts or abrasions immediately

Your doctor will want to repeat blood tests and check on your health.