Hepatitis B is caused by a virus that infects the liver. Hepatitis B symptoms can include severe fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, pale stools, dark urine, and yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).
Chronic hepatitis B
Most people will eventually recover but some people do not clear the Hepatitis B virus. This is called chronic Hepatitis B infection.
There are now treatments available for people with chronic Hepatitis B. However, left untreated it can cause liver scarring (cirrhosis) and cancer. Worldwide, it is the most common cause of cancer after tobacco.
How is hepatitis B caught?
The infection can be caught by sharing injection needles. Some groups of people have an increased risk of catching Hepatitis B during sex.
Who can get the vaccine?
There is a Hepatitis B vaccination, and 56 Dean Street offers the B vaccination to the following people:
- Gay and other men who have sex with men
- People whose job involves sex
- Those with partners from countries where Hepatitis B is more common (e.g. Africa & SE Asia)
If you fall into any of the categories above or think you may have come into contact with Hepatitis B, please book an appointment.
