Hepatitis B

Hep B virus

Transmission, Prevention, Cure and Treatment in Gay Men

WHAT IS HEPATITIS?

Hepatitis simply means inflammation of the liver, you may not know but the liver is one of the vital organs in our body. It has over 500 functions and for the body to function properly, you need a healthy liver.

Hepatitis can be caused through a number of viruses, excessive use of drugs/alcohol or through an auto immune response. (Where the body literally attacks its self)

There are several types of hepatitis which may present with similar signs and symptoms like fevers, fatigue, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea and dark urine.

These include Hepatitis A, B and C

HEPATITIS B

This type may develop into a chronic (long term) disease. Acute (short term) hep B may show no symptoms, or it can cause severe symptoms including: fatigue, fever, vomiting, weakness, jaundice. Hospitalization may be necessary in some cases. Most people recover and will resolve the infection, however up to 10% go on to develop a chronic infection.

Chronic (long term) hep B is a much more serious type of illness. You may not know you have been infected for a long time, however serious conditions such as cirrhosis (scarring of liver tissue) or liver cancer have been known to occur in about 20% of people with chronic hep B. People who are infected with the chronic form of the virus have the disease for life and may pass it on at anytime.

HOW IS HEPATITIS B IS TRANSMITTED?

Hep B is found in just about all body fluids, but it is most commonly transmitted through infected blood, cum and vaginal fluids. This means hep B can be transmitted through:

a. Unsafe sex (not using condoms for anal/ vaginal sex).

b. Sharing injecting equipment, toothbrushes, razor blades or sex toys.

c. Oral sex including rimming.

d. Skin piercing.

e. Urine faces and to a small extent sweat.

HOW CAN I PREVENT HEP B INFECTION?

You can get hepatitis B vaccinations which will provide protection from the virus for up to 5 years. A course of three injections over six months is required for complete protection against hepatitis B. Other things you can do to keep yourself safe are:

1. If you inject drugs, make sure you use new, sterile syringes and equipment each time (don’t share)

2. Practice safe sex (use condoms, dental dams and gloves whenever body fluids are involved).

3. Avoid sharing personal hygiene items such as razors, toothbrushes,

tweezers and nail clippers.

4. Use reputable body piercing and tattooing services that practice universal infection control.

Combined hep A and hep B vaccinations are available, however, you must be sure to complete the course to provide protection.