Hepatitis B
Patient education
- It can be silent for years
- Vaccination prevents infection
- A positive result needs follow-up
What it is
A virus that infects the liver. It is common in this region, often causes nothing for decades, and can quietly damage the liver over that time. It is preventable by vaccine.
When to seek urgent care
There is yellowing of the eyes with confusion or drowsiness, vomiting blood, black tarry stool, or a swollen abdomen.
How it shows
Usually nothing. When it does show: yellow eyes or skin, dark urine, tiredness, pain under the right ribs, nausea.
What to do
Get tested, particularly if a family member has it. If you are not infected, get vaccinated - it is the single most effective thing available. If you are, you need monitoring, and treatment if and when it is needed.
Ask about hepatitis B vaccination and newborn prevention at your health centre. Confirm the locally available schedule and costs; a vaccine prevents infection but does not cure it.
Infection, immunity and transmission
Hepatitis B is a virus that affects the liver. It spreads through infected blood and certain body fluids, including during childbirth, sex or sharing needles. It is not spread by sharing meals, hugging or ordinary social contact.
Blood tests can distinguish current infection, past infection and vaccine protection. Ask what your particular results mean. Feeling well or having normal-looking eyes does not exclude infection; many people have no symptoms.
Looking after the liver and family
Some infections clear; others become long term. Long-term infection can lead to liver scarring or cancer, so regular monitoring matters even without symptoms. Not everyone needs antiviral medicine immediately, and a vaccine does not treat an existing infection.
Ask about testing and vaccination for partners and household members. Do not share razors, toothbrushes or injection equipment. During pregnancy, tell the maternity team early so care and newborn protection can be planned. Check before taking herbal products or other medicines that may harm the liver, and avoid alcohol.