A viral infection that attacks the liver, spread through blood or bodily fluids — preventable through vaccination.
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that specifically targets the liver. Some people clear the virus naturally after a short illness, while others go on to develop a chronic infection that can quietly damage the liver over years or decades — which is exactly why so many cases are only discovered through screening rather than obvious symptoms.
The virus spreads through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids — during birth from an infected mother to her baby, through unprotected sex, or by sharing needles or unsterilised sharp instruments. It does not spread through casual contact such as sharing food or shaking hands.
There is no cure for chronic Hepatitis B, but it is very manageable — antiviral medication can suppress the virus and significantly slow or prevent liver damage, and regular monitoring catches any changes early. The single most effective tool against Hepatitis B, though, is prevention: the vaccine is highly effective and is part of routine infant immunisation.
Ask us about: Hepatitis B vaccination and screening — available through our Immunisation and Laboratory departments.
