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Hepatitis
B Facts
What is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver.
Some people who get hepatitis never feel sick.
Others develop flu-like symptoms, such as fatigue
and nausea. Some become very ill with fever, abdominal
pain, dark urine; clay coloured stools and jaundices
(yellowish colour of the skin and eyes). Less
than 1% become severely ill and die. There is
no antibiotic treatment for this infection. Most
people recover completely and are protected from
future infections of Hepatitis B.
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Who is a Hepatitis B Carrier?
Some people infected with Hepatitis do not clear
the entire virus from their blood stream and are
known as Hepatitis B carriers. Most carriers appear
healthy and feel well, however some may develop
serious liver disease later in life.
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How is Hepatitis B Virus Spread?
Hepatitis B is spread through contact with blood
and body fluids (semen, vaginal fluids, saliva)
of an infected person. The infectious blood or
body fluids containing the virus must enter a
break in the skin or be absorbed through a mucous
membrane (e.g. eyes, mouth).
Hepatitis B can be spread through a bite when
infected blood or saliva enters the others person's
blood stream through the wound.
A mother who is infected with Hepatitis B may
pass the virus on to her baby around the time
of birth. Water, food or casual contact, such
as at most schools and workplaces does not spread
Hepatitis B.
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Things To Do
- Make sure your sex partner and all the people
you live with see their family doctor about
getting the Hepatitis B vaccine provided by
Peel Health Department.
- Practice safe sex by using a condom if your
partner has not been immunized or is not already
immune to Hepatitis B.
- If you become pregnant, make sure your baby
recives a Hepatitis B vaccine series starting
at birth.
- Never donate blood or semen.
- Don't share personal items like razors, toothbrushes
or nail files that may have tiny amounts of
blood on them. The virus lives in dry blood
for up to 7 days.
- Clean spills of blood with soap and water,
then wipe the area with a freshly made bleach
solution (1/4 cup of bleach to 2 1/4 cups of
water). Let dry. The bleach will kill any virus
left on the area.
- Safely dispose of blood stained articles (tissue,
dental floss, bandages, and menstrual pads)
by putting them in a plastic bag and tying.
(So no one can touch them).
- If someone is giving you first-aid, make sure
they use routine practices and wear gloves.
- Keep your own cuts and sores covered, especially
in the workplace.
- Do not kiss other people's open cuts or sores.
- Alcohol can further damage your liver.
- Ask your doctor about future visits to monitor
your liver condition.
For more information call Peel Health at 905 799-7700.
Caledon
residents can call, free of charge, 905-584-2216.
Canadian Liver Foundation 416-491-3353
www.liver.ca
The Highest Increase in Hepatitis
B is Among Those who Pratice Risky Behaviours
such as I.V. Drug Use and Unsafe Sex
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