STI - Sexually Transmitted Infections (pamphlet)

Hepatitis B

What is it?

Hepatitis is a virus.  It can cause a serious infection of the liver.

How do you get it?

You can get hepatitis B from an infected person through their blood, semen, vaginal fluid or saliva.  The virus can be passed on through vaginal, oral or anal sex with a person who has the infection. Hepatitis B can also be passed on by sharing personal items, like toothbrushes and razors, or by sharing needles or tattoo equipment.  A pregnant woman can pass hepatitis B on to her baby.

How can you tell if you have it?

You can have hepatitis B and not have any signs or symptoms.  You can still pass the virus on without knowing it.

If you have hepatitis B, you might notice:

• you feel tired
• you have pain in your abdomen
• your urine or stool (poop) is a strange colour
• your skin is yellow
• you are not very hungry
• you feel like throwing up

How do you get tested?

You can get a special blood test.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

You can protect yourself against hepatitis B.  There is a vaccine that protects you.  It is given by needle.  It takes three needles and several months before you are protected.  If you are at risk for getting hepatitis B you and your partner(s) should ask a doctor or a nurse for these needles.

How is it prevented and treated?

There is no cure for hepatitis B.  If you have hepatitis B, you might need to change the way you eat and also stop drinking alcohol.  Most people with hepatitis B do get better.  When you are better, you do not pass the virus on to others.

Most people with hepatitis B fight the infection off within 6 months.  During this time they can pass it on to others.  Once the body fights off the infection you are protected from ever getting the virus again and cannot pass it on to others. 

Some people cannot fight off the infection and will have it for life; they are called chronic carriers.  Carriers of hepatitis B can transmit the virus to others all their life. Chronic hepatitis B can lead to severe liver damage and cancer of the liver.

If you have hepatitis B you should encourage you sexual partners(s) to get the hepatitis B vaccine and until your partners are protected (usually 6 months after getting the vaccine) condom or latex barriers need to be used during sex.