Hepatitis B

• Signs and symptoms
• Getting it
• Diagnosis & treatment
• Immunisation
• Long-term effects

Getting it

The hepatitis B virus is very common worldwide. It is very infectious and can be passed on:

• By unprotected penetrative sex (where the penis enters the vagina or anus) or sex which draws blood.
• By oral sex (from mouth to the genitals or genitals to the mouth).
• By sharing needles or other drug injecting equipment contaminated with blood.
• By using equipment for tattooing, acupuncture or body piercing contaminated with blood.
• From an infected mother to her baby.
• Through a blood transfusion in a country where blood is not tested - all blood for transfusion is tested in the UK.

Where to get help