Could you have Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is an infectious liver disease. This is spread by infected blood and other bodily fluids such as semen, vaginal secretions and open sores. Infection can cause scarring of the liver, liver failure, liver cancer and even death. An estimated 30% of those infected do not show obvious signs or symptoms.

Here's a list of factors and signs that may indicate that you have Hepatitis B:

1. If you've had intercourse with a person who has hepatitis B infection. Oral sex can transmit this virus too.
2. If you have stomach ache or an explained abnormal liver enzyme test.
3. Using needles which aren't sterile. This can vary from dental work, medical procedures, body piercing, tattooing as well as injected drugs, for the virus to be transmitted.
4. Men who have intercourse with other men have a very high risk of hepatitis B.
5. From the mother to infant, the most common way the virus is passed on.
6. Having unusually light coloured stool.
7. Jaundice
8. Other physical signs include skin rash, muscle or joint pain

An early diagnosis will protect your liver from severe damage!