Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B can cause short term symptoms, known as acute infection. This is when the body gets rid of or ‘clears’ the hepatitis B virus within 6 months of infection. Once the virus has been cleared, a person cannot pass the virus on to others, and they are protected from getting hepatitis B again. 

Sometimes, people infected with hepatitis B do not clear the virus and will have a lifelong hepatitis B infection. This is known as chronic hepatitis B. The risk of chronic hepatitis B is highest when exposed at birth or during early childhood. Not everyone with chronic hepatitis B will have symptoms. Sometimes people will have no symptoms until they develop more serious liver problems. 

If hepatitis B is not monitored and managed, it may lead to serious health problems such as liver scarring (cirrhosis), liver failure or liver cancer. These conditions can be life-threatening. However, regular medical check-ups and, where needed, antiviral treatment can help prevent liver damage and reduce the risk of serious liver disease, allowing many people with hepatitis B to live long and healthy lives.  

Hepatitis B often has no symptoms. Even if you do not have symptoms and feel well, you can still pass it on to other people. 

When symptoms do occur, they usually begin from 1 to 4 months after infection and last many weeks. 

Symptoms can include: 

• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) 

• Dark coloured urine (wee) or pale coloured stools (poo) 

• Fatigue (feeling tired) 

• Fever 

• Nausea and/or vomiting  

• Stomach pain 

It is important to remember that even if symptoms are not present or go away, the virus can still be present in the body. 

Hepatitis B can be spread through contact with blood that contains the hepatitis B virus. This could be through broken skin, mucous membranes (skin lining in the vagina, rectum, urethra, and mouth), or through the eye. Hepatitis B can spread: 

You cannot get hepatitis B from kissing, hugging, holding hands, coughing, sneezing, sharing food, drinks or eating utensils, insect or animal bites (including mosquitos) or from sharing bathrooms, showers or toilets. 

The best way to prevent hepatitis B is by getting vaccinated. Most young people who were born in Australia were vaccinated as babies as part of the National Immunisation program. 

People under 20 years old who did not receive the hepatitis B vaccines in childhood, and refugees of any age, may also be eligible to get free vaccinations​. 

For adults, hepatitis B vaccination is safe and consists of three injections over six months. If you are not sure if you have been vaccinated, talk to your doctor. 

Hepatitis B can also be prevented by:

If you’ve been exposed to hepatitis B but have not been vaccinated, talk to your doctor or call Health direct (free call) on 1800 022 222 as soon as possible (within 3 days) as there are treatments to lower the risk of getting hepatitis B. 

Testing for hepatitis B is done through a blood test. Testing can show whether you: 

• have hepatitis B now 

• have had hepatitis B in the past 

• are protected through vaccination 

You should ask your doctor for a hepatitis B test if you: 

• Have never been vaccinated or are unsure of your vaccination status 

• Were born in a country where hepatitis B is common 

• Have a family member with hepatitis B 

• Have shared injecting equipment  

• Have been in contact with another person’s blood.  

If you test positive for hepatitis B, your doctor will talk with you about who may need to be told, tested, or vaccinated. 

If you have questions or concerns about telling others, speak with your doctor or call the Hepatitis Infoline (free call) on 1800 803 990 for confidential advice. 

• Any doctor’s office (GP) or medical centre 

• A sexual health clinic 

• University health clinics 

There is currently no cure for chronic hepatitis B, but effective antiviral medicines are available. Not everyone with chronic hepatitis B needs treatment. Your doctor will assess whether treatment is needed based on regular blood test monitoring. 

It is important to have regular check-ups with your doctor, even if you feel well and do not require treatment. These check-ups usually include blood tests every 6 to 12 months to monitor hepatitis B levels and liver function. Some people may also need liver imaging, such as an ultrasound. Regular monitoring helps identify any signs of liver damage and determines whether treatment should be started. 

If treatment is needed, antiviral medicines can help prevent liver damage and other serious complications. People who require treatment will usually need to take antiviral medication long term, often for the rest of their lives. 

With regular monitoring and treatment when needed, most people with chronic hepatitis B can live long and healthy lives.