Hepatitis B is a liver disease that can be passed on through blood, semen and vaginal fluids but what are the symptoms to look out for?

While the infection can usually last for a few months, some people can have the disease long-term.

If you’re unsure whether you have hepatitis B, here are the symptoms you should look out for.

What are the symptoms of hepatitis B?

According to the NHS website, there are a few symptoms of hepatitis B that people might notice.

These include:

  • A high temperature
  • Tiredness
  • Pain in the upper tummy
  • Feeling sick or being sick
  • Patches of raised skin that may become itchy (hives)
  • Yellowing of the skin and whitening of the eyes (jaundice)

How do you get hepatitis B and how long does it last?

Hepatitis B  is caused by a virus and you can get it from “having vaginal, anal or oral sex without using a condom or dam”, the NHS explains.

You can also get it if you inject drugs using shared needles or if you have been injured by a used needle.

If you have a tattoo or a piercing with equipment that is unsterilised you could also get hepatitis B.

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In the UK, blood transfusions are checked for hepatitis B but some countries don’t check. If you have a blood transfusion in a country that doesn’t check blood for hepatitis B, you could develop it.

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Anyone who is pregnant and has hepatitis B risks passing it onto their baby either during the pregnancy or birth.

The NHS explains: “The infection usually lasts for 1 to 3 months and most people either have no symptoms or mild symptoms. If the infection lasts longer than 6 months it is called chronic hepatitis B.”

You should see a GP if you think you might have hepatitis B.