Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that can be transmitted through oral, vaginal or anal sex or by using infected needles to inject drugs. Hepatitis B can be prevented by condom use, choosing not to have sex, and, if you use injection drugs, not sharing needles.

Many people infected with Hepatitis B may show few or no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include: loss of appetite, malaise, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, jaundice (a yellowing of the skin), rash or arthritis may occur prior to the onset of other symptoms.

Hepatitis B is confirmed using a blood test. While there is no treatment for acute Hepatitis B, antiviral drugs are available to treat chronic Hepatitis B. There is also a vaccine for Hepatitis B that is available at the UHS Allergy & Immunizations Clinic.

You can get tested for Hepatitis B and all other STIs at University Health Services (UHS). Call (512) 471-4955 to schedule an appointment.