Hepatitis B
What is it?
Hepatitis B is a viral infection, which can cause liver failure. Hepatitis A and C are other types of infections. Hepatitis B can easily be transmitted through sexual contact. Hepatitis B can also be transmitted when the blood of a person with Hepatitis B enters the body of an uninfected person.
What are the symptoms?
- Early flu-like symptoms include headache, tiredness and fever
- Late symptoms may include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) or dark brown urine
How do I get tested?
Visit your GP or find your nearest sexual health clinic using our Find a Service page.
Can it be treated?
No, Hepatitis B cannot be treated. Drug treatments are given to manage the symptoms.
How can I prevent it?
Vaccinations are available for both Hepatitis A and B. These are strongly recommended for people whose lifestyle puts them at risk from infection such as needle sharing. There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C. Any activity that allows blood from an infected person to enter the body is potentially risky and should be avoided.
Condoms are the only form of contraception to protect you against STIs. You can get free condoms in Medway through the C Card scheme
For more information please visit the NHS website ›
Share This!
Featured Items
Chlamydia
What is it? Chlamydia is the most common STI among under 25s and is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia Trachomatis. Chlamydia is easily passed from one person to another through sexual contact. What...
Emergency contraception
If you have had unprotected sex (sex without contraception) or you think your contraceptive method may have failed, you can use emergency contraception. There are two methods: Emergency Hormonal...
Long Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC)
Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARC) are very reliable methods of contraception because they are long-lasting. They include the injection, implant, and two types of coil called an IUD and IUS....