Hepatitis B: Symptoms, testing and treatment
If left untreated, hepatitis B can cause serious damage to the liver. The good news is that it can be effectively managed with testing, monitoring and treatment. There is also a vaccine to prevent hepatitis B.
Are you at risk of hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids, including blood, semen and vaginal secretions. There are several ways that it can be passed on, and understanding these can help reduce your risk:
Sharing drug-related equipment such as needles, spoons, water, filters, or items used for snorting drugs
Tattooing or piercing with equipment that hasn’t been properly sterilised, or when carried out in unregulated settings
Sharing personal hygiene items like toothbrushes, razors or hair clippers, which may carry traces of infected blood
Engaging in chemsex
Having unprotected sex
Exposure to improperly sterilised medical or dental instruments.
If you believe you may be at risk, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional. Testing is simple and can provide peace of mind, as well as access to support and treatment if needed.
You can also get vaccinated to prevent you from getting the virus.
Signs and symptoms of hepatitis B
Hepatitis B does not always have noticeable symptoms, especially in the early stages. If you do have symptoms, they may be similar to those of a mild flu. These can include:
- Fatigue
- General aches and pains
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach pains
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
Although these symptoms may seem mild, if left untreated, hepatitis B can lead to serious liver complications, including fibrosis, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and liver cancer.
If you get hepatitis B as an adult, your body may clear the virus naturally without the need for treatment. However, it is essential to get tested and seek medical advice to ensure the virus can be monitored and you can receive the necessary care.
Some people contract hepatitis B as babies or during childhood. In that case, they will usually need long-term treatment to prevent progressive liver damage. Early diagnosis and ongoing support can make a significant difference in managing the virus and keep the liver as healthy as possible.
Get tested for hepatitis B
We offer free, straightforward testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV at our services. We typically use a dried blood spot test and the results will be available in two to three weeks.
If you’re not currently using our services, you can request a test through your GP or sexual health clinic. Early detection is important, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
If your test indicates that you have a blood-borne virus, our team at Change Grow Live can help you access specialist care and treatment tailored to your needs.
Read more about blood-borne virus testing
Hepatitis B vaccinations
Vaccination against hepatitis B is a key step in protecting yourself and others from infection. The vaccine is available to people using our services, and through your GP if you fall into an ‘at risk’ category.
This includes:
- People who inject drugs
- Men who have sex with men
- Healthcare professionals
- People travelling to countries where hepatitis B is more common
If eligible, you will be offered a course of three hepatitis B vaccinations to ensure you are fully protected. Our nurses will guide you through the schedule and answer any questions you may have.
If you're unsure whether you qualify, we encourage you to speak with a member of our team who can offer personalised advice.