Introduction

Chronic Hepatitis B infection is a common disease in Singapore affecting 4% of the population. Chronic Hepatitis B may lead to complications 20 to 30 years later in the form of chronic hepatitis, scarring and hardening of the liver (cirrhosis) as well as liver failure and liver cancer. Death from chronic liver disease occurs in 15-25% of chronically infected persons.

Who is a Hepatitis B carrier?

Hepatitis B carriers are people who are have chronic infection with HBV and never recover fully from the infection; they can infect others for the rest of their lives.

How do you know if you have Hepatitis B?

About 30% of people with HBV infection have no symptoms at all while others may have jaundice, tiredness, abdominal pain, nausea and loss of appetite. Only a blood test can tell for sure.

How do you get Hepatitis B?

You get Hepatitis B by direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person; for example, by having sex or sharing needles with an infected person or via a blood transfusion. A baby can get Hepatitis B from an infected mother during childbirth. There is no evidence that it can be can be passed through casual contact, such as kissing, hugging, sneezing, or coughing or by sharing eating utensils or drinking glasses.

Who are the people at risk of getting Hepatitis B?

  • Persons with multiple sex partners or diagnosis of a sexually transmitted disease

  • Men who have sex with men

  • Sex contacts of infected persons

  • Household contacts of chronically infected persons

  • Injection drug users

  • Infants born to infected mothers

  • Health care and public safety workers

  • Hemodialysis patients

How can I protect myself from getting Hepatitis B?

  • Hepatitis B vaccine is the best protection.

  • If you are having sex, but not with one steady partner, use latex condoms correctly and every time you have sex as it may reduce transmission.

  • Do not abuse IV drugs but if you do, get vaccinated against Hepatitis B and do not share your needles and syringes.

  • Do not share personal care items that might have blood on them such as razors and toothbrushes.

  • Consider the risks if you are thinking about getting a tattoo or body piercing. You might get infected if the tools have someone else's blood on them.

  • If you have or had Hepatitis B, do not donate blood, organs, or tissue.

If you are a health care or public safety worker, get vaccinated against Hepatitis B, and always follow routine barrier precautions and safely handle needles and other sharps.