Hepatitis B

MATE ATA KAKĀ

Hepatitis B can inflame and damage the liver. The virus can make people very sick, and can even kill them.

Fewer people have been getting hepatitis B in New Zealand since a vaccine was introduced in the 1980s. Hepatitis B vaccine is part of the immunisation schedule for all children.

How do people get hepatitis B?

• Close contact with blood (and other fluids) from an infected person.
• Cuts, scratches, etc.
• Sharing toothbrushes, razors, towels, face cloths.
• Sharing skin-piercing needles.
• Sexual contact without condoms.
• Mother to child transmission in pregnancy.

How do you know if you've got hepatitis B, or if you've had it?

You can tell by having a blood test. The virus usually takes 2-3 months after you have been infected before it makes you sick.

If you’re sick with acute hepatitis B you might have one or more of these symptoms:

• nausea (feeling like vomiting) and vomiting
• jaundice (yellow skin and eyes)
• dark urine (pee,mimi)
• pale bowel motions (poo, tūtae)
• feeling unwell
• no energy
• no hunger
• sore upset stomach
• aches and pains.

Some people do not get unwell when they catch hepatitis B. Some people fight off the virus. But about 10% keep the hepatitis virus in their bodies. They are called carriers of the hepatitis B virus, and can spread the disease even though they are not sick. Some carriers get liver disease when they are older.

How do I know if I am a carrier?

Your doctor or practice nurse will give you a blood test. If the test shows that you are an acute case or  a carrier, you should tell people in close contact with you, so they can be immunised.

What does it mean for me - and other people - if I am a carrier?

Carriers are more likely to stay well if you:

• limit alcohol intake
• are careful about medication (check with your doctor about this)
• ask if you should have regular tests to look for liver disease.

To prevent the spread of hepatitis B

Carriers should ALWAYS

• cover cuts, scratches etc, straight away
• use condoms for sex.

Carriers should NOT

• share toothbrushes, razors, towels, face cloths
• donate blood
• share needles.

Household and sexual contacts of carriers should have a blood test. They can have free hepatitis B immunisations if they are not already immune.

Carriers should also tell their doctors and dentists.

Who should be tested for hepatitis B virus?

You should be tested if you:

• are sick and think it might be hepatitis B
• think you have may have been in close contact with someone with hepatitis B
• are pregnant
• want to know if you are immune or a carrier.

Can I prevent myself or my family/whanau getting hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is in the immunisation schedule. There are three doses for children, at ages:

• 6 weeks
• 3 months
• 5 months.

It is not too late for your children to have the immunisations, even if they have missed out.

Pregnancy

Hepatitis B can be passed from infected mothers to their babies, usually at the time of birth. The baby must be given antibodies and immunisation straight after birth to stop getting infected. All immunisations for your baby are free. Your baby will need further hepatitis B injections at the usual times to protect them fully.

After the immunisation

After the immunisation people sometimes feel unwell, or have redness or swelling around the injection. A mild fever may develop for a short time. These things shouldn’t last long, but if you are worried, contact your doctor.

About 95 out of every 100 people who have these injections will be protected against hepatitis B.

Summary

• Hepatitis B is a virus that causes serious illness.
• If you think you or someone you know may have Hepatitis B: ask your Doctor or nurse for a test to be done.
• If you are a carrier, look after your health. Do everything you can to keep your friends and whanau/family safe from hepatitis B. Remember immunisation is the best prevention for children.

For more information on hepatitis B and immunisation, ask your doctor or health worker for the booklet Immunisation Choices (code 7004) available from the Health Protection Unit (telephone (07) 838 2569).

back to Communicable disease list

back to top