Sexual Health News
HEPATITIS B
Introduction
Hepatitis B is a virus mainly transmitted through blood to blood contact. It can also, in some cases, be transmitted through unprotected penetrative sex. The virus can also be found in vaginal fluids and saliva, although it is not known whether it is present in large enough quantities to transmit.
Hepatitis B is a strain of the Hepatitis family, which means it is a virus that affects the liver. It affects people differently, however. Some people may only have the virus and feel ill for a few weeks, and then make a full recovery. For others, the virus may stay with them for life and cause fatal liver damage. Some people may carry the virus but never experience any symptoms or disease.
Hepatitis B is highly infectious
It is more infectious than HIV or even Hepatitis C. This means that a tiny amount of body fluid infected with the virus may be enough to infect someone else. It is also a very resilient virus, which means it can survive outside of the body for long periods of time.
It takes about 6 months for Hepatitis B to show up in a blood test, from the moment of exposure to the virus. This is known as the incubation period, and during this time, some people may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, jaundice, ‘flu-like illness and joint aches and pains. Other people may not experience any symptoms at all.
Often it is not necessary to start treatment if you have Hepatitis B.
This is because many people get over the illness within six months. Treatment such as Interferon may, however, benefit those who have had the virus longer than six months.
A vaccine does exist to protect against Hepatitis B
Three doses of the vaccine are needed for full protection. A blood test to check for antibodies to the virus may be advisable a few months after the course of injections is finished, to check immunisation is complete. There are some people who may require a repeat course of injections after not responding fully to the first course. The vaccine may be advisable for anyone perceived to be "at risk". This includes healthcare workers, sex workers, injecting drug users and gay men. A vaccine is available from either your GP or your local GUM clinic. Some drug agencies may also have access to vaccinations. A test for Hepatitis B is available, again through your GP or local GUM clinic. Be aware, though, that going to your GP means that your request will be noted on your medical records, which may affect life insurance and mortgage policies later in life.