
What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by the Hepatitis B virus. There are several different kinds of Hepatitis virus. Hepatitis damages the liver and stops it from working normally. If you have a chronic infection, it can be very serious as the liver can stop working correctly or develop cancer.
Most adults who get infected with Hepatitis B can usually get rid of the virus without treatment. But 5-10% of people don’t clear the virus and remain infectious for years resulting in chronic Hepatitis B infection.
90% of babies born with Hepatitis B will develop chronic hepatitis
How can I get Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is passed through infected body fluids (blood, semen, saliva or vaginal fluid) to other people.
Ways you could get Hepatitis B:
- From mother to baby during childbirth
- Unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex
- Sharing injection needles, tattoo equipment or needle stick injuries
- Sharing toothbrushes and razors.
You cannot get Hepatitis B from hugging, holding hands, kissing on the cheek, coughing or sneezing, sharing food or eating food made by someone with Hepatitis B.