Basic Hep B Facts

Basic Hep B Facts

What is hep B? Hepatitis B is inammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus.

Hepatitis B viral infection can be acute or chronic.

Hepatitis B viral infection which remains after 6 months is known as chronic hepatitis B.

9 out of 10 adults who get hepatitis B will naturally clear the virus and develop immunity against future infection.

1 in 10 will go on to develop chronic hepatitis B.

In contrast, 9 out of 10 infants or young children who get the virus will have chronic hepatitis B.

Symptoms Most people with hepatitis B will not experience have any symptoms. Some may experience: Ÿ tiredness, Ÿ loss of appetite, Ÿ fever, Ÿ joint or abdominal pains, Ÿ dark urine or jaundice.

Transmission Hepatitis B may be transmitted through blood and sexual fluids as well as from mother to infant at birth. As such, you may get it through: Ÿ unprotected sex Ÿ sharing unsterilised piercing, injecting, tattooing and acupuncture equipment,

Ÿ sharing personal items

such as razors, earrings, toothbrushes, and nail clippers.

Mothers with hepatitis B can transmit the virus to baby during birth and also after birth if care is not taken with transmission

Prevention The best prevention for hepatitis B is vaccination.

In addition: 타 practise safe sex, 타 avoid direct contact with blood, 타 do not share injecting equipment, 타 do not share items which may have be exposed to blood e.g. razor, clipper, toothbrush, tattooing and piercing equipment.

Cover all cuts and wounds and wear gloves when handling body uids.

For body piercing, body art, acupuncture, cosmetic and medical procedures, use only professionals who employ new ink and sterilised or single-use equipment.

Mothers-to-be with hepatitis B can discuss treatment options with your doctor.

Immunoglobulin given to baby within 12 hours after birth, together with hepatitis B vaccine will protect baby against the virus.

Studies show babies do not get hepatitis B from mother’s milk. But if your nipples are cracked, bleeding or have weeping sores, stop breastfeeding and consult your doctor.

Treatment There is treatment for chronic hepatitis B to control the virus and reduce liver damage but treatment works best at certain phases of the disease.

Not everyone with hepatitis B needs treatment.

Everyone with chronic hepatitis B, whether on treatment or not, needs to have regular 6 to 12 monthly check ups to assess liver health and viral activity.

Self Care If you have chronic hepatitis B: Ÿ get regular check ups Ÿ avoid or minimise alcohol intake Ÿ maintain a balanced diet Ÿ be active Ÿ maintain a healthy weight Ÿ reduce stress

Find out more SMS (English or Chinese) 0403 648 348 Visit Hepatitis SA online: www.hepsa.asn.au Call Hepatitis SA Helpline 1800 437 222 (English) or 0403 648 348 (Chinese)

WeChat 3 Hackney Road, Hackney SA 5069 T: 08 8362 8443

This booklet is supported by a community grant under the Hepa s B Community Educa on Project administered by Hepa s Australia and funded from the Australian Government, Department of Health under the Blood Borne Viruses and Sexually Transmissible Infec ons Preven on Program.