There is a safe and effective vaccine that prevents hepatitis B. One in three people living with hepatitis B don’t know they have it. This is because it often has no symptoms, especially in the early stages.
Hepatitis B is a blood borne virus that causes damage to your liver. It is preventable through vaccination. If left untreated, it can cause serious liver problems over time, including cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Many people can have no symptoms for a long period of time. If you have symptoms, they make include:
After many years, some people with chronic hepatitis B infection develop liver damage and serious complications, including:
You cannot get hepatitis B from everyday contact including:
Around 1 in 3 people living with chronic hepatitis B don’t know they have it. The only way to know if you have hepatitis B is with a blood test.
Getting tested for hepatitis B is easy and can be done in a few different ways.
Visit a sexual health clinic. Testing is often free or low cost.
Ask for a hepatitis B test.
Request a confidential, fast, and judgment free hepatitis B test.
After a virus or a bacteria enters the body, it takes time for tests to show a positive result.
This time is called the window period. This time is called the window period. The window period can be anywhere from a couple of weeks to a couple of months, depending on the infection, and on the health of the individual. Learn more here.
During the window period:
Most tests accurately detect an infection after the window period has passed.
Most people recover on their own from acute hepatitis B, and care usually focuses on managing symptoms and supporting the body while it heals. This may include rest, fluids and regular check-ups with a doctor.
If you have chronic hepatitis B, ongoing monitoring is important, even if you feel well. Hepatitis B can cause liver damage without symptoms, so regular liver check-ups help detect problems early and reduce the risk of serious complications such as cirrhosis, liver failure or liver cancer.
Your doctor may recommend blood tests, liver scans and a viral load test to check how your liver is working and whether treatment is needed. Some people may be prescribed medication to help slow the virus and reduce liver damage, while others may only need regular monitoring.
Most people with chronic hepatitis B should have a liver check-up every 6–12 months, or more often if advised by their doctor.
There is a safe and effective vaccine for hepatitis B.
Hepatitis B vaccinations are available in pharmacies.
Prevention methods include:
for best protection against hepatitis B
using condoms, lube and barrier methods.
when injecting medication or drugs, including performance and image enhancing substances.
such as razors, toothbrushes or other such items.
for body piercing, tattoos or cosmetic procedures
especially if you are at a higher risk of exposure.
Vaccination is recommended for all babies and for people who may be at higher risk, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with certain medical conditions, people in some occupations, and people travelling to places where hepatitis B is common.
Babies can receive the hepatitis B vaccine for free through the National Immunisation Program, starting at birth, with follow-up doses in infancy. Some children, young people, refugees and humanitarian entrants may also be eligible for free catch up vaccines. Anyone else can purchase the vaccine through their doctor or pharmacy.
If you think you’ve been exposed to hepatitis B, seek medical help as soon as possible. Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin is an emergency treatment that can reduce the risk of infection if given within a few days, including for newborns of mothers with hepatitis B and for people who are not vaccinated or immune. It works best when given as soon as possible after exposure.
Hepatitis D is the rarest form of viral hepatitis, but also the most severe. It is only transmitted through blood-to-blood contact and you can only get it if you have hepatitis B.
You can contract hepatitis D at the same time as hepatitis B, or after you have been diagnosed with hepatitis B. If you are getting tested for hepatitis B, ask for a hepatitis D test at the same time.
Confidential, free and localised viral hepatitis information and support services.
For more information or help working out which type of support it right for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out for help.