Hepatitis B can be confusing, and that’s led to some common myths. This Hepatitis Awareness Week (28 July – 3 August), let’s look at the facts to clear things up.
Firstly, what is hep B?
Hepatitis B (hep B) is a liver infection caused by the hep B virus. It’s the most common liver infection in the world and can cause liver cancer if left untreated. A person with hep B can have it their whole life (called chronic hep B), but with regular testing and sometimes treatment, they can stay healthy. Let’s bust some myths!
1: Hep B can spread by sharing food.
This is a myth! Hep B is not spread by sharing food. It is also not spread by sharing utensils, hugging, holding hands, coughing or sneezing.
Hep B can spread through contact with blood with hep B virus in it. This can happen by sharing equipment or personal items, such as needles, syringes, toothbrushes, razors, or sex toys.
Hep B can also spread through contact with sexual fluid. This can happen during vaginal, oral or anal sex without a condom or dental dam, or from mother to baby during childbirth.
2: I can’t protect myself from hep B.
This is a myth! Hep B vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect yourself from hep B. Babies in Australia and some other countries get the hep B vaccine when they are born, and others have it at school. If you’re not sure if you have been vaccinated, talk to your doctor.
You can also help protect yourself from hep B by always using condoms or dental dams with sexual partners and not sharing needles or injecting equipment.
3: I don’t have any symptoms, so I don’t need to get tested for hep B.
This is a myth! Hep B often has no symptoms and can slowly cause health problems. The only way to know if you have hep B is to get tested.
4: I have chronic hep B, I won’t live a long and healthy life.
This is a myth! Whilst being diagnosed with chronic hep B can feel scary, it’s important to remember that people with chronic hep B live long and healthy lives. Hep B is an easily managed condition if you have regular check-ups with your doctor.
If you have chronic hep B, it is important to see a doctor every 6-12 months to get tests. The tests will tell your doctor if you need hep B medicine to protect your liver and keep you healthy.
You can find out more about living with chronic hep B here.
5: I have chronic hep B but I’m a ‘healthy carrier,’ so my liver can’t be damaged.
This is a myth! There is no such thing as a ‘healthy carrier.’ Sometimes, hep B won’t cause damage to the liver for a long time, but this can change quickly. Even if you feel healthy, the virus could be damaging your liver. This can be prevented with hep B medicine.
The only way to know if your liver is being damaged is to have regular check-ups with your doctor. If you have chronic hep B, it’s important to see a doctor every 6-12 months to get tested. These tests will tell your doctor if you need medicine to keep you healthy and well.
6: I have chronic hep B so I can’t safely have sex.
This is a myth! People living with chronic hep B can have safe sex. If your sexual partner is vaccinated for hep B, they will be protected from getting hep B. If they are not sure if they are vaccinated, they can talk to a doctor.
If you know you have hep B, you must take reasonable action to prevent passing it on. This includes always using condoms or dental dams with sexual partners, ensuring your partner is Hep B vaccinated or taking treatment if recommended.
You can find more information about having sex with hep B here.
Support
There is support available if are worried about hep B. You can call the Hepatitis NSW Infoline on 1800 803 990 for free in NSW.
If you are affected by hep B, there is an online community at HepBcommunity.org where you can connect with experts and other people affected by hep B.
For more information about hep B in other languages, you can read the NSW Health hepatitis B factsheet or visit the Multicultural HIV and Hepatitis Service website. To get a hep B test, find a STI/HIV testing location here.
