Hepatitis B infects the liver and can lead to life threatening problems such as liver cancer and cirrhosis if left untreated.
Overview
What is hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a virus which infects the liver.
What are the symptoms of hepatitis B infection?
You may mistake a Hepatitis B infection for flu and it may pass without drama. More severe symptoms may include diarrhoea, jaundice (yellow skin), abdominal pain and, in extreme cases if left untreated, cirrhosis or liver cancer.
How did I catch hepatitis B?
It is most commonly spread via blood (e.g. through scratches and open wounds) but can also be spread through other bodily fluids and can be passed from mother to newborn baby.
How do I get tested?
Book a simple blood test now.
Did You Know?
Estimates suggest 257 million people worldwide are living with hepatitis B virus infection
What is hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that inflames the liver. There are several causes of hepatitis. Hepatis B is caused by the HBV virus. Other hepatitis viruses are A, C, D and E.
How does hepatitis B spread?
Hepatitis B is known as a blood-borne infection, and even the tiniest amount of an infected person’s blood can spread the infection if it gets into your bloodstream (e.g. via a scratch or open wound). Blood is not the only way hepatitis B can spread, especially as the virus can live for up to a week outside of the body:
- It can spread through bodily fluids, for example during unprotected sex
- Drug users can spread hepatis B through sharing needles
- You can catch the virus through unclean instruments in tattoo parlours, dental surgeries and body piercing clinics
- Mothers can pass the virus to their baby, although immunisation at birth is up to 95% effective
Hepatitis B does not spread through sneezing, coughing, kissing or sharing eating utensils.
What are the symptoms of hepatitis B infection?
Often, you may mistake the symptoms of a mild hepatitis B infection for flu which may pass within a few days. Some people contract a more severe case of hepatitis B which may include diarrhoea with pale, grey stools, stomach pain, dark urine and jaundice (yellowing skin and eyes).
Although rare in the UK, where a severe hepatitis B infection is left untreated it can cause life threatening problems including cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and liver cancer.
Once you have recovered from hepatitis B, you will usually be immune for life.
How can this test help me?
Blood testing can help you understand not only whether you have a hepatitis B infection, but what stage the infection is at. There are several possible Hepatitis B tests and for the most comprehensive results we recommend taking more than one. To find out which tests will be right for you, contact us.
How do I get tested?
A simple blood test is all you need.
To get tested please contact Better2Know your Body on the number above or click book now.