• A viral infection that affects the liver
  
• It is spread by having sex or sharing intravenous [IV drugs]
  
• Hepatitis B can not be cured
  
• Hepatitis B usually goes away by itself. In others the virus never leaves the body. These people are called carriers. Carriers can give this virus to other people.
  
• You may have hepatitis B without knowing it because you may not get sick
  
• Hepatitis B carriers are at risk for serious diseases of the liver such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.
  
• Hepatitis B is the only Sexually Transmitted Infection that can be prevented by a vaccine. In Ontario today, many students are immunized in grade 7
  
• If you get symptoms, they usually occur 2 to 6 months after being infected.
  

Symptoms may include:

• Poor appetite
  
• Nausea and vomiting
  
• Headaches
  
• Tiredness
  
• Jaundice [yellow coloring of the eyes and skin]

How is Hepatitis B spread

• Hepatitis B is spread through infected body fluids such as blood, semen and vaginal fluids
  
• Hepatitis B can also be passed from a mother to her baby during childbirth
• Hepatitis B can also be spread by sharing toothbrushes or razors with an infected person
  
• Hepatitis B can be spread if instruments used in body piercing, tattooing or hair removal are infected with the virus

Testing and treatment

• You must see a clinic nurse and doctor. For Clinic Hours Click Here
  
• Testing is free at the health unit
  
• Hepatitis B vaccination is available from your doctor or the health unit
  
• Free vaccinations are available to school age children. For information click here.