Key points at a glance
🦠 Easily transmitted
Hepatitis B can be passed on mainly through sex and via blood.
💉 Vaccination protects
Vaccination is the safest way to protect against hepatitis B.
🧪 Blood test
Hepatitis B can be diagnosed with a blood test.
⏳ May become chronic
Sometimes the infection persists and requires treatment over a prolonged period.
What is hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is an inflammation of the liver. It is caused by the hepatitis B virus, or HBV for short.
The virus is highly contagious. Infection can occur mainly through sexual contact and via contaminated syringes or equipment.
A hepatitis B infection can become chronic. In that case, the infection persists for life.
Hepatitis B: Symptoms and progression
On average, it takes two to three months after infection for symptoms to appear. The course of the illness can vary considerably. In up to two-thirds of cases, there are no symptoms or only mild ones. These can easily be mistaken for flu.
If symptoms do occur, the most common ones include fatigue, loss of appetite, muscle and joint pain, pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, vomiting and skin changes.
In about a third of cases, jaundice develops. The skin and eyes turn yellow. The urine becomes darker and the stools lighter in colour.
In adults, the body usually manages the infection on its own. The symptoms then disappear after a few weeks. However, hepatitis B sometimes becomes chronic and requires treatment. Without treatment, it can lead to serious complications, including liver failure.
Transmission of hepatitis B
Even the tiniest amounts of blood can be enough to cause hepatitis B infection. The virus can enter the body through tiny breaks in the skin or mucous membranes. HBV is therefore particularly easily transmitted. As well as blood, it can also be found in smaller quantities in semen, vaginal fluid, saliva, urine, tears and breast milk.
During sex, hepatitis B can be transmitted through vaginal, anal and oral sex. If blood is involved, the risk increases further.
HBV can also be transmitted through drug use. Sharing syringes or accessories such as spoons, filters and swabs is particularly risky. When snorting drugs such as cocaine, shared tubes can also act as a route of transmission. Even the tiniest traces of blood are enough for this to happen.
Items such as toothbrushes, razors or nail scissors can also transmit traces of blood. There is also a risk associated with piercings and tattoos if the equipment used is not sterile.
Transmission to the child is possible during pregnancy, at birth or whilst breastfeeding.
Protection against hepatitis B
Vaccination offers the most reliable protection against hepatitis B. It is usually administered alongside the hepatitis A vaccine. It is particularly recommended for people at increased risk of infection.
This includes men who have sex with men, people with multiple sexual partners and people with chronic liver disease. People who come into close contact with those with hepatitis B should also be vaccinated, for example hospital staff. The same applies to people who inject or snort drugs.
Vaccination is also important for people living with HIV. Hepatitis B is more common among them than in the general population. Furthermore, the infection is more likely to become chronic. Liver cirrhosis is also more common among them.
Condoms can reduce the risk of hepatitis B transmission. However, they do not provide complete protection.
When using drugs, make sure you only use your own injection equipment and accessories. This helps to reduce the risk of infection.
Hepatitis B: Testing and treatment
A blood test can be used to determine whether a person has hepatitis B.
During the acute phase, treatment is tailored to the symptoms. At the same time, you should minimise the strain on your liver as much as possible. You should therefore avoid alcohol, drugs, non-essential medication and high-fat foods.
If hepatitis B becomes chronic, treatment may take several months or years. In some cases, medication must be taken long-term to prevent the virus from multiplying again.
In the case of co-infection with HIV, the two treatments must be carefully coordinated. In some cases, the same medicines are used. Treatment should therefore always be carried out by experienced doctors.
Frequently asked questions
How is hepatitis B transmitted?
Hepatitis B is mainly transmitted through sexual contact and via blood. It is also possible to become infected by sharing syringes, accessories or tubes used for snorting drugs.
What symptoms can hepatitis B cause?
Many people have no symptoms, or only mild ones. Possible symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite, muscle and joint pain, upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or skin changes. Jaundice may also occur.
Can hepatitis B become chronic?
Yes. Sometimes the infection becomes chronic and needs to be treated. Treatment can take anywhere from months to years. In some cases, medication must be taken for the rest of a person’s life.
How can I protect myself against hepatitis B?
Vaccination offers the most reliable protection. Condoms can reduce the risk during sex, but do not completely rule out the possibility of infection. When using drugs, using your own injection equipment and accessories provides protection.
How is hepatitis B diagnosed and treated?
Hepatitis B is diagnosed by a blood test. During the acute phase, the symptoms are treated. Chronic hepatitis B may require long-term treatment with medication.
