



Most people get better and can no longer pass on the virus. Healthcare and emergency service workers can get it through needle stick injuries or blood splashes in the eyes, nose, mouth or on broken skin.

Other ways are by sharing personal items (toothbrushes, razors, etc.), and sharing needles or equipment for injection drug use. Hepatitis B virus is transmitted through blood and body fluids especially through anal sex. One way is by sexual contact with an infected person. There are several ways of getting hepatitis B. Hepatitis B is the only sexually transmitted disease that has a safe and effective vaccine to protect against infection. The virus is found in blood, semen, vaginal fluids and saliva. Transmission of hepatitis B is mainly through sexual fluids (sperm and vaginal secretions) and saliva, while hepatitis C is mainly transmitted through violent. Symptoms may include tiredness, loss of appetite, stomach discomfort and yellow skin. Hepatitis B is a serious infection of the liver caused by a virus. If you’re in close contact with someone with hepatitis A or you’re in a high-risk group then having the hepatitis A vaccine (where available) is recommended.Publications Sexually Transmitted Diseases : Hepatitis B What is it ? Taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), the contraceptive pill or any other type of contraception – apart from condoms – doesn’t prevent hepatitis A. You should cover sex toys with a new condom and wash them after use, as well as washing your hands after touching someone’s anus or handling used condoms and sex toys. You can practise safer sex by using a new external (or male) or internal (or female) condom or dental dam each time you have vaginal, anal or oral sex. Sharing contaminated needles and syringes during recreational drug use can also pass hepatitis A on, so it’s important to use new injecting equipment every time. You should also peel and wash all your fresh fruit and vegetables and avoid raw or undercooked meat and fish. If tap water isn’t safe you should boil it before drinking or using it to brush your teeth. You can stop the spread of the virus by washing your hands regularly, particularly after you go to the toilet or before you prepare or eat food.
