Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B Symptoms

While some people who have Hepatitis B may not show any symptoms at all, others may have symptoms like:

• Jaundice
• Dark Coloured Urine
• Pale Stools
• Fever
• Prolonged tiredness
• Poor appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting

Hepatitis B Complications

Hepatitis B is very serious. It can lead to complications like:

• Acute Hepatitis (episode of liver inflammation)
• Chronic Hepatitis (permanent liver inflammation)
• Liver cirrhosis (permanent scarring and hardening of liver)
• Liver failure
• Liver cancer

Those who recover completely from Hepatitis B infection become immune to the disease. However, 1 in 10 people who get infected with the virus become carriers. A carrier is someone who carries the Hepatitis B virus permanently in their body. Hepatitis B carriers seldom show any symptoms. However, they can:

• Spread the disease to others
• Develop serious liver complications such as those above

Can I get Hepatitis B?

If you have never been vaccinated or do not have antibodies from having a previous Hepatitis B infection, you are at risk of Hepatitis B infection.

The Hepatitis B virus is spread through the following ways:

• Sexual contact with an infected person
• From an infected mother to her newborn child during childbirth
• During acupuncture, body or ear piercing and tattooing if the needles used are contaminated with a Hepatitis B infected person's blood
• Sharing of injection needles among drug abusers
• Accidental cuts to the skin by a nail clipper, shaving blade or other instruments that are contaminated with a Hepatitis B infected person's blood
• Direct contact with open sores of an infected person

To minimise your risk of Hepatitis B infection, avoid situations that put you at risk.

How can I protect myself from Hepatitis B?

Get vaccinated. The Hepatitis B vaccination is safe and extremely effective if you complete all three doses:

1st dose: At the clinic visit
2nd dose: 1 month after the first dose
3rd dose: 6 months after the first dose

Make sure you complete all three doses.

For children, there are also some combination vaccines that contain protection against Hepatitis B as well as other common illnesses. Combination vaccines include other necessary childhood immunisations and are beneficial in that it reduces the number of shots a child must take at one time. Speak to your child's doctor to understand what is recommended for your child.

Regardless of the type of Hepatitis B vaccine you take, you need to complete all of the recommended doses.

Myths vs Facts

Fact: Hepatitis B is found in the blood and body fluids of someone with the infection. You can get Hepatitis B by coming into contact with the blood, semen or other bodily fluids from an infected person. This can happen through unprotected sex, sharing needles or syringes, and using unclean equipment at barber shops and tattoo parlours. Additionally, pregnant women can also spread the virus to their babies during childbirth.

Hepatitis B cannot be spread through coughing, sneezing, breastfeeding, hugging, kissing or sharing of utensils. 

Medical professionals are also at risk of Hepatitis B and should follow proper procedures for protecting themselves.

Difference between Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B

HEPATITIS B	HEPATITIS A
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Jaundice Dark-coloured urine Pale stools Fever Prolonged tiredness Poor appetite Abdominal pain Nausea and vomiting	Similar to Hepatitis B
	*Note: Hepatitis A is seldom serious and the body recovers within 3 to 4 weeks
TRANSMISSION
Sexual contact with an infected person Carrier or an infected mother to her newborn during childbirth Use of contaminated needles Accidental cuts to the skin by shared razors or nail clippers Direct contact with open sores of an infected person	Contaminated food Shellfish Contaminated water or milk Close personal contact with things handled by an infected person Flies Contact with an infected person's faecal matter
PREVENTION
Vaccination, which consists of 3 doses Avoiding multiple sex partners Having protected sex Avoiding the sharing of needles, cutting instruments such as blades and razors with people who may be unsure of their Hepatitis B status Going for reliable operators for acupuncture, body piercing or tattooing, and ensuring they sterilise and dispose of items used for the procedures	Good hygiene Washing hands with soap before and after meals Properly cooking shellfish before consumption Good food handling practices