Hepatitis B

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver, and hepatitis B, or HBV is one of several types of hepatitis. The virus can be passed from person to person in several different ways, but all hepatitis viruses can cause acute (short-term) disease, with symptoms such as yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting and possibly abdominal pain. This can also lead to chronic (long-term) infection.

In the UK there is a very effective hepatitis B vaccine that many high-risk professionals and higher-risk members of the public can receive. Full protection from hepatitis B is usually achieved after 3-4 doses of the vaccine which can usually be obtained from your GP or employer occupational health.

Learn more about hepatitis B and all other blood-borne viruses.