Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a virus that affects liver health. There are three different types of Hepatitis: A, B, and C. Hepatitis B is the only one that is considered an STI.

Transmission

Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood, semen, and vaginal fluids. Using a condom or dental dam can help reduce the chance of transmission.

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Symptoms and complications

Hepatitis B causes either an acute infection that lasts several weeks, or a chronic infection that lasts longer-term. Initial symptoms include flu-like symptoms, dark urine, grey stool, yellow eyes and skin. In 95% of Hepatitis B cases, infected people only have symptoms once, for a short period of time. In very few cases, Hepatitis B can lead to liver cancer and liver disease.

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Testing

If you are experiencing symptoms or think you’ve been exposed to Hepatitis B, it’s very important to get tested. Hepatitis B is detected through a blood test.

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Treatment

Because it's a virus, Hepatitis B is not curable but it is treatable. Treatment for Hepatitis B varies depending on severity. However, there is a vaccine available to prevent the virus; most people in the USA receive the vaccine as infants.

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