What should you know about source of hepatitis b?

Transmission can occur when infected blood or body fluids enter another person’s body, including through sexual contact, shared injecting equipment, or from an infected parent to a baby around birth. The virus is not spread by casual touch, sharing a meal or being near someone. Some people have no early symptoms; others develop fatigue, dark urine, nausea or yellowing of the skin and eyes. Hepatitis B can be short-lived or persist, so a proper assessment matters.

Arrange medical advice if you may have had an exposure, even if you feel well. A clinician can discuss blood testing, including a Liver Function Test when appropriate, and explain what the results mean. Do not share razors, toothbrushes or needles, and use barriers during sex until you have received personalised advice. Hepatitis B Vaccination is an important prevention option for people who are not protected.

Seek prompt medical help for yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, severe vomiting, confusion, unusual bleeding or rapidly worsening weakness. After a known exposure, contact a healthcare professional quickly because prevention and testing decisions depend on timing and the type of contact. People with ongoing symptoms need follow-up even when the first assessment is reassuring.

Ask whether your exposure warrants testing or vaccination, which tests are needed, how to protect household and sexual contacts, whether your liver needs monitoring, and when you should return for review.