Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. It can be caused by a virus although drugs, changes in bodies immune systems and excess of alcohol can also be a cause.

How is it transmitted?

Hepatitis B is found in all body fluids including blood, semen, saliva, breast milk and urine.

Because of this, the virus can be transmitted sexually, by injection or puncture of the skin with contaminated needles, the spillage of body fluids into open cuts or sores or from mother to baby during childbirth.

What are the symptoms of HepB?

There is often no symptom.

Where symptoms show they can include aches, pains, stomach upset, loss of appetite and sore throats, often progressing to jaundice.

Incubation period is 1 – 6 months (usually 3)

Over half of sufferers develop jaundice, dark urine or pale faces, lasting up to 8 weeks.

95% of people who develop the infection as adults recover fully.

Hep B Carriers

Those infected with Hep B may become carriers of the virus even after recovery of the disease. This is more likely if the infection is acquired at birth than in adult life.

It is advised to take plenty of rest, eat healthily and to avoid alcoholic drinks.

Health and Safety Measures

All donated blood within the UK is screened for Hepatitis B.

There are precautions to take to avoid becoming infected:

• Cover all cuts and grazes with a waterproof dressing.
• Wear a plastic apron and gloves when carrying out techniques that allow you to come into contact with body fluids.
• If body fluid is spilt mop it up with an absorbent tissue so that it can be disposed of down the toilet. Otherwise sprinkle hypochlorite granules to absorb the fluid and remove with paper towels. Clean the area with dilute bleach soution (one part bleach to ten of water).
• Dispose of used sharps in containers that are strong enough not to be punctured.
• Use a condom during sexual intercourse.
• Do not share needles.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a safe vaccine which people at risk of infection can have. It is given as 3 injections over 6 months.

YOU MUST HAVE ALL 3 INJECTIONS.

2 months after the injections you should have a blood test to see if the vaccine has worked. A booster vaccination is available if needed.

For further information contact the Public Health Network at Shropshire and Staffordshire Strategic Health Authority on 01785 252233, Ext 5211, or your General Practitioner.

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. It can be caused by a virus although drugs, changes in bodies immune systems and excess of alcohol can also be a cause.

How is it spread?

• By sharing contaminated needles or other drug injection equipment with a carrier of the virus.
• By using non-sterilised equipment for tattooing, acupuncture or body piercing.
• By having unprotected sex with someone who is infected.
• Through a blood transfusion in a country where blood is not tested for the Hepatitis C virus. All blood for transfusion in the UK is tested.
• On rare occasions from an infected mother to her baby, mainly during delivery.

Signs and Symptoms

Most people do not show symptoms or become jaundiced at first. The rest have any of the following:

• A short mild flu-like illness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin & whites of eyes, darker yellow urine and pale faces)
• Itchy skin

It is estimated that ¾ of those exposed to Hepatitis C will develop some sort of chronic liver disease.

Tests for Hepatitis C

Screening tests have only been available since 1989. To determine active infection special tests will be necessary.

Treatment

Some people who suffer an acute attack of Hepatitis C make a complete recovery without treatment. Others who have infection for longer than six months may need treatment in specialist hospitals.

Health and Safety Measures

All donated blood within the UK is screened for Hepatitis C

There are precautions to take to avoid becoming infected:

• Do not share needles.
• Cover all cuts and grazes with a waterproof dressing.
• Wear a plastic apron and gloves when carrying out techniques that allow you to come into contact with body fluids.
• If body fluid is spilt mop it up with an absorbent tissue so that it can be disposed of down the toilet. Otherwise sprinkle hypochlorite granules to absorb the fluid and remove with paper towels. Clean the area with dilute bleach solution (one part bleach to ten of water)
• Dispose of used sharps in containers that are strong enough not to be punctured.
• Use a condom during sexual intercourse.
• There is at present no vaccine available to prevent Hepatitis C.

For further information contact Public Health Network at Shropshire and Staffordshire Strategic Health Authority on 01785 252233, Ext 5211, or your General Practitioner.