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General health information

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver that can spread through blood, sexual contact and from mother to baby around birth. The infection can be acute, but can also become chronic and silently damage the liver for years. Vaccination, testing contacts who may have been exposed and good medical guidance are important; alcohol and unproven supplements do not help.

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  • Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver that spreads through blood, sexual contact and from mother to baby around birth.
  • Some people develop an acute infection and recover, while others keep the virus for a long time. This is called chronic hepatitis B.
  • Chronic hepatitis B may cause few symptoms for years while the liver is slowly being damaged. That is why testing and monitoring are so important.
  • Vaccination can protect you, and medical care during pregnancy can help prevent transmission to the baby.
  • Avoid alcohol and do not rely on supplements or 'liver cleanses'. For questions or symptoms, contact your usual GP (family doctor), or HAP 9252, the out-of-hours GP service, outside normal opening hours.

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Further reading

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H
Hepatitis CHepatitis C is a viral infection of the liver. Many people notice nothing at first, but without a test you cannot know whether you are infected. Nowadays, the infection can usually be cured effectively with medicines prescribed by a doctor. There is still no vaccine. Infection mainly spreads through blood-to-blood contact, and testing matters after a possible risk, including during or around pregnancy.
R
RubellaRubella is a contagious viral infection that is often mild, but can seriously harm a baby during pregnancy. A rash alone is not reliable for diagnosis: if you suspect rubella, call before entering a practice, and call the same day if you are pregnant or have been exposed.
H
HepatitisInflammation of the liver is also called hepatitis. It can be caused by a virus, an autoimmune reaction, alcohol, toxins, herbal products or medicines. Symptoms may start mildly with tiredness, nausea or jaundice, but sometimes progress rapidly to severe liver failure. Confusion, drowsiness, rapidly worsening jaundice, a tendency to bleed and being seriously unwell are warning signs. Do not drink alcohol or start courses of supplements on your own initiative.