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Hepatitis B

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Hepatitis B is a virus that affects the liver and can lead to acute (short term) or chronic (long term) infection.

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Important: Contact

For information on testing, referral and treatment for hepatitis B and hepatitis C, contact the Viral Hepatitis service at NHS Highland:

Get tested. Get treated. Get cured.

About hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a virus that affects the liver and can lead to acute or chronic (long term) infection. Chronic infection can lead to long-term liver damage (cirrhosis and liver cancer) which can lead to premature death.

However, treatments for hepatitis B are available through specialist clinics and a vaccine is also available.

What are the symptoms of hepatitis B?

Many people with hepatitis B won’t have any symptoms. If you do develop symptoms they tend to occur two to three months after exposure to the hepatitis B virus. Some of the symptoms include fever, tiredness and yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).

See more information on the potential symptoms at NHS inform.

How do you get hepatitis B and how can it be prevented?

You can become infected with hepatitis B if you come into contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person. There are a number of ways in which it can be spread including:

  • transmission from a mother to her newborn baby or within families (child to child) particularly in countries where the infection is common
  • tattoos, acupuncture and piercings that are carried out abroad or in unlicensed premises where equipment may not be sterile
  • sharing needles and other injecting equipment such as water, filters and syringes. 
  • undergoing medical or dental treatment in countries where infection control is poor and you suspect the equipment may not have been sterilised properly
  • sharing toothbrushes, scissors, nail clippers or razors contaminated with infected blood
  • having sex with an infected person without using a condom. If your partner has hepatitis B, you should be tested.

Please note that hepatitis B is not spread by sharing crockery and utensils or by touching household items such as door handles. Hepatitis B is a bloodborne virus and is therefore not spread by sneezing, coughing or through contact through hugging, holding hands and kissing.

Prevention

Unlike hepatitis C, there is an effective vaccine for hepatitis B. The vaccine is offered:

  • to infants to protect against future exposure risks
  • to those at high risk of potential exposure to the virus
  • as part of post-exposure prophylaxis to those who have been exposed to the virus

What is the test for hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is diagnosed with a simple blood test. If you think you have been at risk, please get tested.

If you are diagnosed with hepatitis B you will be referred to the Viral Hepatitis Specialist Nurse. The nurse will perform blood tests and a scan to determine what condition your liver is in and discuss if treatment is required.

Where can you get tested for hepatitis B?

There are lots of ways in which you can be tested. If you are having any difficulty accessing a test for HBV please contact the Viral Hepatitis service. Testing is offered:

How can treatment for hepatitis B be accessed?

Although there is no cure for hepatitis B, there are treatments. However, not everyone with a hepatitis B infection would need treatment. This would depend on a number of factors including whether the infection is acute or chronic.

If you have hepatitis B and would like to discuss treatment please contact the Viral Hepatitis service.

Important: Hepatitis B guidance at NHS inform

NHS Inform Logo

Hepatitis B is a liver infection that’s spread through blood and body fluids. The chance of getting it in the UK is low.

It often doesn’t cause any symptoms in adults and usually passes in a few months without treatment. In children it often persists for years and may eventually cause serious liver damage.

A hepatitis B vaccine is available on the NHS as part of routine child vaccination, or if you’re at high risk.

See more information on hepatitis B at NHS inform:

  • symptoms
  • when to get medical advice
  • diagnosis of hepatitis B
  • treatments
  • how hepatitis B is spread
  • how to prevent hepatitis B
  • living with hepatitis B
  • complications

Further information

  • British Liver Trust - the UK's leading liver health charity working to improve liver health for all, and supporting those affected by liver disease or cancer
  • Hepatitis B

    Hepatitis B is a virus that affects the liver and can lead to acute (short term) or chronic (long term) infection.

  • Hepatitis C

    Hepatitis C can also be called Hep C or HCV.

Last updated: 14 October 2024

Next review date: 29 January 2025