Hepatitis B, also called 'hep B', is a virus that causes swelling of the liver.
The infection can be acute when a person is sick for less than 6 months and they recover. In some cases the hepatitis B virus is not eliminated and the person becomes chronically infected and this can lead to liver disease. A person with chronic hepatitis B will need to be monitored regularly for signs of liver disease.
The Hepatitis B virus can be contracted through exposure to infected blood and other bodily fluids. The transmission occurs most commonly through sexual contact, sharing needles, tattooing with unsterilised needles or sharing razors.
Many people do not have any symptoms when first infected with hepatitis B. People who do have symptoms may experience jaundice (yellow skin), dark urine, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, joint pain and fever.
Infants are likely to develop chronic infection and can get scarring of the liver, liver cancer or liver failure.
People infected as teenagers or adults are likely to become unwell but have a smaller chance of developing chronic infection.
Approximately 1 in 20 adults cannot clear the virus and develop chronic hepatitis B. They are at risk of developing cirrhosis (severe scarring of the liver) and liver cancer in the longer term.
Vaccination is your best protection against hepatitis B. Vaccination is free for newborn babies and children.
Refer to the WA Immunisation Schedule for detailed information, or speak to a health professional.
