Hepatitis B
About
Hepatitis B is an infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. It affects the liver and can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a long-term infection that may lead to serious liver damage. Some people clear the virus on their own, while others develop chronic hepatitis B. Many people do not notice symptoms, so testing is important if you think you may have been exposed. Treatment, monitoring, and vaccination all play an important role in preventing illness and protecting health.
Symptoms
often no symptoms, tiredness, fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, joint pain, dark urine, pale stools, yellowing of the skin and eyes, itching
Transmission
Hepatitis B spreads through contact with infected blood, semen, and vaginal fluids. It can be passed on during sex without a condom, by sharing needles or other drug equipment, through needlestick injuries, from a pregnant person to their baby during birth, and through unsterile tattooing or piercing equipment. It is not spread through casual contact such as hugging, kissing, coughing, sneezing, or sharing cups and cutlery.
Prevention
Get vaccinated against hepatitis B, use condoms for sex, avoid sharing needles or other injecting equipment, make sure tattooing and piercing are done with sterile equipment, follow safety procedures when handling blood, and ensure pregnant people are tested so babies can get prompt protection if needed.
Treatment & Resources
Antiviral treatment for chronic hepatitis B
Treatment for chronic hepatitis B uses antiviral medicines to lower the amount of hepatitis B virus in the body and protect the liver from damage. While these medicines do not usually cure hepatitis B, they can control it very effectively over the long term and greatly reduce the risk of serious liver problems.
Find Supports near you
You can get tested across Ireland
Find resources and supports in your local community.