What is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B virus or HBV infection affects the liver and can lead to cirrhosis (liver scarring), liver failure, liver cancer and death.
How is it spread?
It is spread by contact with an infected person’s blood or body fluids including sexual contact with an infected person, use of contaminated skin-piercing equipment, and contact with blood from infected mother to child during birth.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms are usually mild or absent in young children. In adults, they might include yellow skin or yellowing of whites of eyes, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, clay-coloured bowel movements and joint pain.
How do I know if I have Hepatitis B?
A simple blood test can confirm if you have acquired a HBV infection. You should check for HBV infection if (i) your sexual partner has Hepatitis B; (ii) your family member has been diagnosed with Hepatitis B; (iii) one of your immediate family members has liver cancer.
Is there a cure?
In adult acquired infection, about 10% do not recover completely. Most do, but many will carry the virus in their bodies. About 4% of the population in Singapore are carriers and can pass the virus to others. They may not be aware that they are carriers, as they may show no symptoms. However, they may develop complications such as liver cancer.
Protect yourself against Hepatitis B
· Get immunized
· Keep to one sexual partner
· Do not share personal items like razors, toothbrushes or anything that may break the skin
· Do not share injection needles
· Make sure that instruments for acupuncture, body and ear piercing and tattooing are disposable or sterilized before use
Hepatitis B can’t be spread by
· Coughing
· Hugging
· Sneezing
· Casual contact
· Sharing of eating utensils