Hepatitis B is a liver disease that can be passed on through blood, semen and vaginal fluids but what are the symptoms to look out for?
While the infection can usually last for a few months, some people can have the disease long-term.
If you’re unsure whether you have hepatitis B, here are the symptoms you should look out for.
What are the symptoms of hepatitis B?
According to the NHS website, there are a few symptoms of hepatitis B that people might notice.
These include:
- A high temperature
- Tiredness
- Pain in the upper tummy
- Feeling sick or being sick
- Patches of raised skin that may become itchy (hives)
- Yellowing of the skin and whitening of the eyes (jaundice)
How do you get hepatitis B and how long does it last?
Hepatitis B is caused by a virus and you can get it from “having vaginal, anal or oral sex without using a condom or dam”, the NHS explains.
You can also get it if you inject drugs using shared needles or if you have been injured by a used needle.
If you have a tattoo or a piercing with equipment that is unsterilised you could also get hepatitis B.
A hepatitis B vaccine is "the best way" to prevent it, the NHS says.
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In the UK, blood transfusions are checked for hepatitis B but some countries don’t check. If you have a blood transfusion in a country that doesn’t check blood for hepatitis B, you could develop it.
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Anyone who is pregnant and has hepatitis B risks passing it onto their baby either during the pregnancy or birth.
The NHS explains: “The infection usually lasts for 1 to 3 months and most people either have no symptoms or mild symptoms. If the infection lasts longer than 6 months it is called chronic hepatitis B.”
You should see a GP if you think you might have hepatitis B.
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