Hepatitis B
Description:
It is a viral infection that affects the liver and blood.
Effects:
- Long term complications can include liver failure and cirrhosis of the liver
- Increased risk of miscarriage or premature labour
- You can pass it on to your baby during pregnancy
Cause:
- Through blood and other body fluids
- Unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex
- From an infected mother to baby during pregnancy
- Sharing drug using equipment with an infected person
- Tattoos, acupuncture and piercings with non-sterilised equipment
Symptoms:
- Flu-like symptoms
- Fever
- Jaundice (yellow colouring of the eyes and skin)
- Nausea
- Tiredness
Treatment:
- You may need medical treatment
- You should stop or reduce the amount of alcohol you drink to reduce further strain on your liver
Prevention:
- Get a Hepatitis B vaccination free from your GUM/STI clinic
- Don’t share needles with drug users
- Protect your sexual health - always use a new condom correctly and put it on before you have sex
Source: Health Service Executive (HSE), 2007
HPSC factsheet - Hepatitis B
