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Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is an infection (inflammation) of the liver. It is much more infectious than HIV as only a small amount of the virus is required to spread to other people. When caught, Hepatitis B may cause illness but the illness may get better without treatment. Some people may have no symptoms and do not know they have the infection. Hepatitis B can however for some people cause them to feel ill for more than 6 months or even for life. The infection can cause diarrhoea, abdominal pain, cirrhosis (liver damage) and liver cancer.

Hepatitis B is normally spread through blood-to-blood contact, for example unprotected sex, sharing or accidental contact of dirty needles and razors. The virus may also be found in saliva, vaginal discharges and other fluids from the body.

Condoms used correctly and at all times help prevent the spreading of Hepatitis B. The risk of infection can also be reduced by not sharing needles and razors. Vaccinations against hepatitis B are available from GPs for people who may be at risk of getting Hepatitis B.

The treatment for hepatitis B for most people is to rest. For a few people, special drugs may be used to control the virus to reduce the risk of damage to the liver.

List of STI and symptoms

Chlamydia
Chlamydia		 Genital Herpes
Genital Herpes		 Non-specific Urethritis
Non-specific Urethritis		 Pubic Lice
Pubic Lice		 Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis
Genital Warts
Genital Warts		 Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea		 syphillis.php
Syphillis		 Alcohol
HIV and AIDS		 Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B