What should you know about hepatitis B virus prevention?

Hepatitis B enters the body through infected blood or certain body fluids. Vaccination prepares the immune system to recognise the virus. Protection also means not sharing needles, razors, toothbrushes, or other items that may carry blood, and choosing sterile equipment for tattoos, piercings, and medical care.

Safer sex practices reduce exposure, while testing helps identify infection in people who feel well. If hepatitis B is present, appropriate follow-up can reduce the chance of passing it to others and can monitor liver health. Fatigue or dark urine should be assessed rather than used as a home test.

Ask a clinician whether Hepatitis B Vaccination is recommended for you and whether your vaccination record needs checking. Keep personal grooming items separate, cover open wounds, and clean blood spills with suitable protective measures. Tell sexual or household contacts about a known infection so they can ask about testing and vaccination.

After a possible exposure, contact a healthcare service promptly. Bring details about when it happened, how contact occurred, and any vaccination history. Do not wait for symptoms before asking for advice.

Seek prompt advice after a needlestick, shared needle, blood contact with broken skin or eyes, or sexual exposure where hepatitis B is possible. Also arrange assessment for yellow eyes, dark urine, persistent vomiting, confusion, or worsening weakness. A clinician can select testing and preventive care based on the exposure.

Ask whether you need Hepatitis B Vaccination, testing, or post-exposure care. Ask how to protect a partner, child, or household member, whether a Liver Function Test is useful, and what precautions apply during dental, cosmetic, or medical procedures.