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Masta Travel Health
Masta Travel Health
Hepatitis B is a very infectious virus which affects the liver and can be life-threatening. Long-lasting infection can lead to chronic liver disease and even cancer many years later. It is a worldwide problem. There are thought to be 350 million people who are “carriers” of the hepatitis B virus.
Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever. Occasionally a skin rash and joint pains can occur.
How do you catch hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is spread by contact with blood or body fluids from an infected person. It can be spread through unprotected sex, tattoos, body piercings, acupuncture, contact sports or by sharing needles with drug users.
Incubation period
30 – 80 days
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is confirmed by a blood test, which can detect the virus for 30-60 days after infection
Prevention
Using a condom will reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of catching hepatitis B through sexual intercourse. Avoid anything which involves piercing the skin unless you are certain that the equipment has been sterilised properly. An effective vaccine is available and is part of routine immunisation programmes in many countries, including the UK
Treatment
Treatment is aimed at relieving the symptoms, as there is no cure. Antiviral drugs are used in long term infections.
UK 
