FAQ
What is hepatitis B?
Page last updated 26 June 2018
Hepatitis B (also called hep B) is a virus that infects the liver. The virus can be found in blood and bodily fluids, including semen and vaginal fluid.
Hepatitis B (also called hep B) is caused by a virus that infects the liver. The virus can be found in blood and bodily fluids, including semen and vaginal fluid.
As the hepatitis B virus infects the liver, symptoms often include abdominal pain (right side) and dark coloured urine. However, some people will experience no signs or symptoms of infection.
Most adults will fully recover from a hepatitis B infection; however, if left untreated some will develop a long lasting, chronic infection.
Most young children do not recover from a hepatitis B infection and will have the disease for the rest of their lives.
Vaccination is the best way to prevent getting hepatitis B.
Sources & Citations
- NSW Government, Department of Health, Hepatitis B fact sheet. Available at http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/hepatitis_b.aspx (accessed 5 April 2018).
- Victorian State Government, Better Health Channel, Hepatitis B. Available at https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/hepatitis-b (accessed 5 April 2018).
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Hepatitis B FAQs for the Public. Available at https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hbv/bfaq.htm (accessed 5 April 2018).
SPANZ.SAPAS.18.04.0173a - Date of preparation May 2018
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