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  1. Hepatitis information
  2. Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a virus that causes damage to your liver. It can be chronic, which means having it your whole life. 

In Australia more than 220,000 people are living with chronic Hepatitis B. Many people don’t know they have it.

You can protect yourself against hepatitis B with a vaccine. The vaccine is safe and works well.

You can take medicine to take care of your chronic hepatitis B. You can live well with chronic hepatitis B.

Click on the links below to find out more about hepatitis B.

Spitting is gross, but it doesn’t spread hepatitis B or C

Spitting is gross, but it doesn’t spread hepatitis B or C

Dr Alice Lam explains how incorrect reporting on the transmission of hepatitis B and hepatitis C can increase stigma and discrimination, and worsen health outcomes. Read more

Published: 9th September, 2022

Updated: 16th January, 2023

Author: Grace Hogan

Hepatitis B Guide

Hepatitis B Guide

Testing, treatment and staying healthy. This guide is to help you understand the process from being tested for hepatitis B (often called hep B) to living well with chronic (life-long) hep B. Read more

Published: 31st March, 2020

Updated: 27th February, 2023

Author: Danny Adams

What is hepatitis B?

What is hepatitis B?

Basic information about hepatitis B transmission and how it affects people. Read more

Published: 29th February, 2020

Updated: 12th December, 2022

Author:

Hepatitis B vaccination

Hepatitis B vaccination

Hepatitis B can be prevented with a safe and effective vaccine. Read more

Published: 31st January, 2020

Updated: 9th January, 2023

Author:

Hepatitis B symptoms

Hepatitis B symptoms

Information about the symptoms of acute and chronic hepatitis B. Read more

Published: 30th December, 2019

Updated: 9th January, 2023

Author:

Testing for hepatitis B

Testing for hepatitis B

Tests used to diagnose hepatitis B Read more

Published: 30th November, 2019

Updated: 12th December, 2022

Author:

Monitoring hepatitis B

Monitoring hepatitis B

If you have hepatitis B, it is important to visit your doctor regularly for liver check-ups. Read more

Published: 1st November, 2019

Updated: 25th January, 2023

Author: Grace Hogan

Hepatitis B liver monitoring video

Hepatitis B liver monitoring video

Regular liver checks are important for everyone living with hepatitis B Read more

Published: 31st October, 2019

Updated: 10th January, 2023

Author: Danny Adams

Your Rights and-Responsibilities

Your Rights and-Responsibilities

In Australia, people living with hepatitis B and hepatitis C have rights that protect them from being discriminated against. People living with hepatitis B or C also have responsibilities to protect public health. Read more

Published: 18th September, 2019

Updated: 10th January, 2023

Author: Danny Adams

Hepatitis B medicine

Hepatitis B medicine

Medicines for hepatitis B help you live well with the virus. Talk to your doctor about whether starting treatment is right for you. Read more

Published: 30th August, 2019

Updated: 9th January, 2023

Author:

Hepatitis Delta

Hepatitis Delta

Hepatitis delta (sometimes called hepatitis D virus, or HDV) is a bit different to other hepatitis viruses, because it can only affect people who have hepatitis B. Hepatitis delta can accelerate the health impacts of hepatitis B, leading to more severe outcomes for people living with both viruses. Read more

Published: 18th August, 2019

Updated: 12th December, 2022

Author: Grace Hogan

Dealing with your hepatitis B diagnosis

Dealing with your hepatitis B diagnosis

Dr Alice Lam provides some suggestions that may help you deal with a hepatitis B diagnosis. Read more

Published: 31st July, 2019

Updated: 9th January, 2023

Author: Grace Hogan

Living with cirrhosis

Living with cirrhosis

Having cirrhosis means that you have severe scarring on your liver. In most cases it is a chronic condition, which means you will usually have it for the rest of your life – however proper treatment can reduce the impact on your health. Read more

Published: 20th July, 2019

Updated: 28th February, 2023

Author: Grace Hogan

Living with hepatitis B: The myth of the healthy carrier

Living with hepatitis B: The myth of the healthy carrier

If you’ve been told that you are “just a healthy carrier”, read on for a myth-busting update from Dr Alice Lam. Read more

Published: 30th June, 2019

Updated: 9th January, 2023

Author: Danny Adams

Other Languages

Other Languages

Hepatitis Australia resources translated into various languages Read more

Published: 17th June, 2019

Updated: 17th February, 2023

Author: Danny Adams

Hepatitis B FAQs

Hepatitis B FAQs

A series of commonly asked questions about hepatitis B. If you do not see the question you have in mind you can call 1800 437 222 to speak to your local hepatitis organisation. Read more

Published: 1st June, 2019

Updated: 9th January, 2023

Author: Danny Adams

Hepatitis B and relationships

Hepatitis B and relationships

Although most people get hepatitis B at birth, it can be transmitted in other ways including sex. This article contains information about how it is spreads, and how you can keep your partner safe. Read more

Published: 31st May, 2019

Updated: 9th January, 2023

Author: Danny Adams

Hepatitis B and mental health

Hepatitis B and mental health

People with chronic hepatitis B have higher rates of depression and anxiety than the general population. Dr Alice Lam explains at why this can happen, and what we can do about it. Read more

Published: 30th April, 2019

Updated: 9th January, 2023

Author: Danny Adams

Liver detox diets and Traditional Chinese Medicine: Do they work?

Liver detox diets and Traditional Chinese Medicine: Do they work?

“Detox diets”, supplements and Traditional Chinese Medicine are marketed as beneficial for the liver, but do they work? from Dr Alice Lam. Read more

Published: 19th March, 2019

Updated: 9th January, 2023

Author: Danny Adams

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Showing 10 of 19

Latest

  • Michael Daly: Policy Analyst

  • Kelly Berghella: Campaign Manager

  • Jessica Abbey: Campaign Manager

  • Statement: You can breastfeed safely with hepatitis B or hepatitis C

    Statement: You can breastfeed safely with hepatitis B or hepatitis C

    There is a common misconception that people living with hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C cannot safely breastfeed. Recent misleading media coverage has suggested that drinking breast milk can easily pass on hepatitis B and hepatitis C. This is not the case.

Most read

  • No, you’re not being tested for hepatitis as part of a routine blood test

    No, you’re not being tested for hepatitis as part of a routine blood test

    Hepatitis B and C are the most common blood borne viruses in Australia but testing for them is not part of normal blood tests—you generally have to ask your doctor.

  • A cure for hepatitis C

    A cure for hepatitis C

    You can take medicine to cure your hepatitis C. The tablets are easy to take and work very well. Most people don't have any side-effects.

  • Living with hepatitis B: The myth of the healthy carrier

    Living with hepatitis B: The myth of the healthy carrier

    If you’ve been told that you are “just a healthy carrier”, read on for a myth-busting update from Dr Alice Lam.

  • What is hepatitis C?

    What is hepatitis C?

    Basic information about hepatitis C and how it can affect you.

  • Hepatitis B medicine

    Hepatitis B medicine

    Medicines for hepatitis B help you live well with the virus. Talk to your doctor about whether starting treatment is right for you.

  • Testing for hepatitis B

    Testing for hepatitis B

    Tests used to diagnose hepatitis B

  • Testing for hepatitis C

    Testing for hepatitis C

    Information about the tests used to diagnose hepatitis C (hep C) infection

  • Hepatitis B vaccination

    Hepatitis B vaccination

    Hepatitis B can be prevented with a safe and effective vaccine.

  • What is hepatitis B?

    What is hepatitis B?

    Basic information about hepatitis B transmission and how it affects people.

  • Hepatitis C symptoms

    Hepatitis C symptoms

    Symptoms of hepatitis C are not always obvious

Info

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Information provided on this website is for general information only and not intended as medical advice. Hepatitis Australia encourages all readers to seek independent medical advice before making any decisions based on the information provided on this website.

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