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This highly-infectious virus can seriously affect your liver. Here are all the facts covered.

Sex life

Hepatitis B

This highly-infectious virus can be passed on easily through unprotected sex and shared needles.

What is it?

Hepatitis B virus (often called 'Hep B' or HBV) is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver. 

How is it caught?

It is spread by contact with body fluids such as semen, blood, vaginal secretions, anal secretions, urine and saliva. It can be caught during any kind of unprotected sex, or from contaminated needles used in drug abuse, tattooing, acupuncture or body piercing. The virus is so contagious that there is a risk of contracting it from sharing things like towels, toothbrushes and nail clippers with an infected person. In general, however, it is most commonly seen in drug users who share needles.

What are the symptoms?

Early symptoms can take up to six months to appear:

  • A flu-like illness, characterised by nausea, vomiting, and tiredness;
  • Lack of interest in food;
  • Weight loss;
  • Aching muscles and joints.

Symptoms can last up to two months. During the later stages, further symptoms may include:

  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin);
  • Darker urine;
  • Lighter coloured poo.

The infection is often chronic, and yet in the majority of cases few symptoms will occur. This can make infection of others more likely if someone is unaware they have the virus. On average most patients recover within two months of being infected. For others, it can recur in future. In 20% of cases, it can lead to cirrhosis of the liver (which can develop up to 15 years after the Hep B infection). 

Tests and treatment

  • A blood sample is taken for tests to show whether you have been infected, and if the virus is still in your body.
  • Most patients with Hepatitis B don't need any treatment apart from several weeks of bed rest at home. In some cases, anti-viral drug treatment may be required.
  • Alcohol must be avoided, and a low-fat diet can help.
  • A vaccine is available, to those who are most at risk (ie intravenous drug users; family of people with Hep B). See your doctor for more info.

Complications

  • The virus can cause long-term liver damage;
  • Some become long-term carriers of Hepatitis B virus;
  • An infected mother can pass the virus on to her unborn baby.

If you think you might have a sexually transmitted infection, sort it out straight away. Go to your nearest genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic, available at most large hospitals. GUM clinics give free and confidential advice and treatment. Or you can make an appointment to see your GP.

You reduce your risk of infection by avoiding unsafe sex, avoiding contaminated needles, and using condoms. If you are in a high risk group for catching Hepatitis B, you can be immunised against it.