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Hepatitis
B
What
is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis
B is a virus which circulates in the blood. It can be passed on to people who
come into contact with blood or other body fluids infected with the Hepatitis B
virus.
Most
people find out that they have the virus only when it makes them ill. The
Hepatitis B virus causes inflammation of the liver which can make them turn
yellow (become jaundiced). A blood test will confirm that a person has the
Hepatitis B infection. Most people will get over the illness, although in a
small number of cases the illness can be more severe.
How
is Hepatitis B passed on?
-
Unprotected
sexual intercourse (vaginal or anal) with an infected person.
-
Passing
of blood / body fluids from an infected person to another person through a
break in the skin, e.g. bite wound or open cut.
-
Needles
and Syringes - through sharing used injecting equipment. Also from sharing
water, spoons, and other injecting equipment.
-
From
an infected mother to her baby during birth.
-
Being
tattooed or having body parts pierced (any piercing) using non-sterile
equipment.
-
In
some parts of the world, medical instruments (needles and syringes for
instance) may not be sterile and could pass on Hepatitis B and/or other
infections.
Carriers
In
a few people, the body does not get rid of the virus and it remains in the
blood. Such people are called 'carriers'. They may never have had jaundice and
may feel completely well. However, they can pass on the infection to others (see
above).
IF
YOU ARE INFECTED WITH THE HEPATITIS B VIRUS:
Please
DO NOT
-
Be
a blood donor.
-
Share
needles and injecting equipment (water, spoons, syringes, etc).
-
Share
your toothbrush or razor blade.
-
Have
unprotected sex with anyone until your Doctor tells you that the virus has
gone from your body (avoiding sex is best of all). If you do have sex, it must
be protected and you must inform your partner.
-
Take
any medications other than those prescribed by your Doctor.
Please
DO
-
Until
your Doctor informs you that you are clear of the virus (shown by a blood
test), there is a risk that you could pass on Hepatitis B through sexual
intercourse. Proper use of condoms will reduce this risk. Your sexual
partner should also see his/her GP for advice about Hepatitis B
immunisation.
-
Inform
any recent sexual contacts, as an injection is available to protect them
against the disease. Sexual contacts should be advised to see their own GP
as soon as possible.
-
Encourage
your household members to see their GP to discuss immunisation.
-
Inform
Doctors, Dentists, Nurses and Midwives who may come into contact with your
blood or body fluids.
-
Cover
any cuts, scratches or open wounds with a waterproof dressing after having
cleaned the wound thoroughly. If any blood splashes or spills then clean
it up yourself using antiseptic fluid.
-
Dispose
of sanitary towels or tampons in the correct way i.e. flushable or wrapped
well before placing in the waste units.
-
Seek
advice from your Doctor about reducing your alcohol intake until your
liver recovers.
-
Maintain
high standards of personal hygiene at all times.
Remember
that a negative test for Hepatitis C does not mean that you are immune to it and
there are other types of Hepatitis that can be caught. If you continue to
put yourself at risk, then you might become infected in the future.
For
further information and advice, speak to your family doctor who will be able to
advise you and also put you into contact with specialists and organisations.
Also look in your phone book for numbers of organisations that deal with
Hepatitis.
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