How you can get hepatitis B

 Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a liver infection that is spread through blood, semen and vaginal fluids. The chance of getting it in the UK is low. There's a vaccine if you're at high risk or travelling to a country where it's more common. The infection usually only lasts for a few months, but some people can have hepatitis B long-term.

How you can get hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is caused by a virus that is spread through blood, semen and vaginal fluids.

You can get hepatitis B from:

• having vaginal, anal or oral sex without using a condom or dam
• injecting drugs using shared needles
• being injured by a used needle
• having a tattoo or piercing with unsterilised equipment
• having a blood transfusion in a country that does not check blood for hepatitis B. Blood transfusions in the UK are checked for hepatitis B.

If you're pregnant and have hepatitis B, you can also pass it onto your baby during pregnancy or birth.

How to prevent hepatitis B

• Hepatitis B vaccination
• Vaccination is the best way to prevent hepatitis B. In the UK, the hepatitis B vaccine is given to babies as part of the 6-in-1 vaccine.
• Babies born to mothers with hepatitis B are given additional vaccinations at birth, 4, weeks and 1 year, to reduce the risk of them getting the infection.
• Adults only need to get the hepatitis B vaccine if they're at high risk, for example:

you are travelling to a high-risk country – you may have to pay for a hepatitis B vaccine for travel

you have liver or kidney disease

you have HIV

your job puts you at risk of infection – for example, you're a healthcare worker or work in a prison

Your employer should organize your vaccination if your job puts you at risk.

If you're travelling abroad, get advice from a travel clinic, GP, nurse or pharmacist before you go.

Other ways to reduce your risk

• To help protect yourself from hepatitis B you should also:
• use a condom or dam when having vaginal, anal, or oral sex
• avoid sharing razors, toothbrushes, and needles with others