Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is serious and common infectious disease, affecting millions of people throughout the world.

Transmission:

  • Unprotected sexual contact (vaginal, anal & oral sex).
  • Mother to child at birth (transmission is common but the baby can be protected by being vaccinated immediately and breastfeeding is allowed if there are no cracked nipples).
  • Sharing contaminated drug using equipment e.g. needles, snorting equipment etc.
  • Blood to blood contact e.g. blood transfusions etc. (only in countries where blood is not screened).
  • Exposure to other body fluids e.g. saliva (but not usually through kissing).
  • Using contaminated personal hygiene items e.g. toothbrushes, razors, nail clippers etc.

Hepatitis B Facts

Hepatitis B can live outside the body on surfaces for up to 7 days and is considered 100 times more infectious than HIV.

Phases of Hepatitis B infection:

There are two main phases of Hepatitis B: acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term).

  • Acute Hepatitis B:  90% of people get an acute version of Hepatitis B, that is to say that they clear the virus naturally from their bodies within 6 months.   They usually develop immunity to Hepatitis B for life.
  • Chronic Hepatitis B: 10% of people do not clear the Hepatitis B virus from their bodies naturally and go on to develop a long-term infection.  A large proportion of people with chronic Hepatitis B do very well but in some people the virus progresses quickly and can result in cirrhosis (widespread scarring of the liver), cancer, liver failure and even death.

Treatment:

Treatment is available for hepatitis B.  Chronic hepatitis B infection is usually treated with alpha/pegylated interferon to help prevent further liver damage; however, not everyone can take interferon due to serious side effects.  There are some other treatment options available in this instance.  Treatment usually lasts a number of months during which time the patient will be carefully monitored.

 

Prevention:

  • Vaccine – there is a safe and effective vaccine available for Hepatitis B.  It is available either on its own or in conjunction with Hepatitis A.
  • Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) – emergency treatment is available within 72 hours for anyone who has been exposed to Hepatitis B.  PEP can prevent the hepatitis B virus establishing itself in the blood stream.  It is available in most Accident and Emergencies and Sexual Health Clinics.
  • Safer sex.
  • Safer drug using practices.
  • Do not share contaminated personal grooming items e.g. toothbrushes, nail clippers.
  • Safe cleaning of body fluids – e.g. using gloves, bleach, safe disposal methods.
  • Education.