My girlfriend has hepatitis B: what should I know?

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that can affect the liver. Some people have no symptoms, while others develop tiredness, nausea, abdominal discomfort, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or dark urine. A person's symptoms do not show whether the infection can be passed on, so blood testing is the way to clarify your status and immunity. It is not spread by ordinary hugging, sharing meals or casual household contact.

Book a healthcare visit for hepatitis B blood tests and ask whether you need vaccination. Until a clinician confirms protection, use condoms and do not share razors, toothbrushes, needles or anything that may carry blood. Cover open cuts, clean blood spills safely, and avoid donating blood. She should keep her appointments; clinicians may monitor liver health with blood tests and other checks. Do not blame either partner or assume when infection began.

Seek urgent medical help for confusion, vomiting blood, severe abdominal swelling, fainting, or yellow skin with marked illness. She should contact her clinician about new jaundice, dark urine, worsening fatigue or abdominal pain. If you may have had a recent sexual or blood exposure and are unvaccinated or unsure of your status, seek prompt advice because preventive care can be time-sensitive.

Which hepatitis B tests do I need, and what do the results mean? Am I already protected? What vaccination schedule and safer-sex advice apply to us? How will her liver be monitored?