Sexually Transmitted Infections – Hepatitis B

What is Hepatitis B?

Based on information provided by the Hepatitis B Foundation, Hepatitis B is the most common serious liver infection in the world. It is caused by the hepatitis B virus that attacks and injures the liver. Two billion people (or 1 in 3) have been infected and about 300 million people are living with a chronic hepatitis B infection. Each year up to 1 million people die from hepatitis B despite the fact that it is preventable and treatable.

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is transmitted through blood and infected bodily fluids. It can be passed to others through direct contact with blood, unprotected sex, use of illegal drugs, unsterilized or contaminated needles, and from an infected woman to her newborn during pregnancy or childbirth.

Hepatitis B is a “silent epidemic” because most people do not have symptoms when they are newly infected or chronically infected. Thus, they can unknowingly spread the virus to others and continue the silent spread of hepatitis B. For people who are chronically infected but don’t have any symptoms, their liver is still being damaged which can develop into serious liver disease such as cirrhosis or liver cancer.

The good news is that hepatitis B is preventable and treatable. There is a simple blood test to diagnose a hepatitis B infection. Testing is the only way to know for sure if you are infected. There is a safe vaccine to prevent hepatitis B. There are effective drug therapies that can manage a chronic hepatitis B infection, and a cure is within sight.

What are the Symptoms?

“Signs and symptoms of hepatitis B range from mild to severe. They usually appear about one to four months after you’ve been infected, although you could see them as early as two weeks post-infection. Some people, usually young children, may not have any symptoms.

Hepatitis B signs and symptoms may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Dark urine
• Fever
• Joint pain
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Weakness and fatigue
• Yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice)

How to Prevent Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B can be prevented by receiving a vaccine. According to The Mayo Clinic:

“The hepatitis B vaccine is typically given as three or four injections over six months. You can’t get hepatitis B from the vaccine.”

The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for:

• Newborns
• Children and adolescents not vaccinated at birth
• People who live with someone who has hepatitis B
• Health care workers, emergency workers and other people who come into contact with blood
• Anyone who has a sexually transmitted infection, including HIV
• Men who have sex with men
• People who have multiple sexual partners
• Sexual partners of someone who has hepatitis B
• People who inject illegal drugs or share needles and syringes
• People with chronic liver disease
• People with end-stage kidney disease
• Travelers who are planning to go to an area of the world with a high hepatitis B infection rate

Take precautions to avoid HBV

Other ways to reduce your risk of HBV include:

• Know the HBV status of any sexual partner. Don’t engage in unprotected sex unless you’re certain your partner isn’t infected with HBV or any other sexually transmitted infection.
• Use a new latex or polyurethane condom every time you have sex if you don’t know the health status of your partner. Remember that although condoms can reduce your risk of contracting HBV, they don’t eliminate the risk.
• Don’t use illegal drugs. If you are, always use a sterile needle each time you inject illicit drugs. Never share needles.
• Be cautious about body piercing and tattooing. If you get a piercing or tattoo, look for a reputable shop. Ask about how the equipment is cleaned. Make sure the employees use sterile needles. If you can’t get answers, look for another shop.
• Ask about the hepatitis B vaccine before you travel. If you’re traveling to a region where hepatitis B is common, ask your doctor about the hepatitis B vaccine in advance. It’s usually given in a series of three injections over a six-month period.