What Is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that targets the liver. In many cases, the infection is acute and resolves within a few weeks without causing long-term damage. However, around 20% of people develop chronic Hepatitis B, which lasts longer than six months and may lead to serious complications such as cirrhosis, liver cancer, or even liver failure. Without proper care, chronic infection can be life-threatening.

How Is Hepatitis B Transmitted?

The virus spreads through contact with infected bodily fluids or blood. This can occur through both sexual and non-sexual means. Hepatitis B is highly contagious—even a minuscule amount of infected blood is enough to transmit it.

Common ways of catching the virus include:

• Unprotected sexual activity

• Sharing needles or razors

• Exposure to infected blood through wounds or instruments

• From mother to baby during childbirth

• Through bodily fluids such as saliva, breast milk, and vaginal secretions

The virus cannot be passed on through kissing, sneezing, coughing, or sharing items like towels or cutlery.

Symptoms of Hepatitis B

In many people, Hepatitis B causes no symptoms, especially in the early stages. When symptoms are present, they may include:

• Extreme tiredness or weakness

• Fever and body aches

• Nausea, vomiting or loss of appetite

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

• Dark urine

• Abdominal discomfort

Because symptoms are often silent, regular testing is the only way to be sure of your Hepatitis B status.

Did You Know?

Hepatitis B is 100 times more infectious than HIV.

How Can Hepatitis B Be Tested?

At ManaPlus, we offer fast and accurate Hepatitis B testing as part of our comprehensive Hepatitis Screening Panel. The test requires just a small blood sample, which can also be used to test for other STIs if requested.

Results are usually available within one working day of receiving your sample. Some of our clinics also provide instant Hepatitis B testing, giving you results in just 20 minutes.

What Are the Risks of Untreated Hepatitis B?

If the infection is left undiagnosed and untreated, Hepatitis B can lead to severe complications:

• Chronic liver inflammation

• Cirrhosis (in about 1 in 5 cases)

• Liver cancer (up to 5% risk)

• Fulminant Hepatitis B – a rare but deadly immune reaction that damages the liver

It also increases your vulnerability to other infections like HIV when engaging in unprotected sex. Pregnant women with Hepatitis B can pass the virus to their baby, but medical intervention significantly reduces this risk.

What If I Test Positive for Hepatitis B?

In most acute cases, no specific medical treatment is needed. Rest, staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol, and good nutrition are usually enough for full recovery.

However, if the infection becomes chronic, your doctor may recommend:

• Antiviral medication

• Ongoing liver monitoring

• Specialist care to manage and reduce liver damage

At ManaPlus, your care plan is personalised. You can continue treatment with our doctors or transition to your GP or a hospital specialist. Either way, ongoing support and monitoring ensure the virus is managed effectively.

Treatment typically lasts up to six months, and many people clear the virus completely and return to normal life.

Can Hepatitis B Be Prevented?

Yes. Hepatitis B is preventable through vaccination, which is available at ManaPlus clinics. We recommend the vaccine for:

• Close family or household contacts of infected individuals

• Healthcare and emergency service workers

• Anyone at higher risk of exposure through sexual contact or travel

Vaccination is a highly effective and long-term solution to protect yourself and others.

Why Choose ManaPlus.co.uk?

Discreet and confidential testing

Fast, accurate results

Comprehensive medical support

Accessible home testing options

Partnerships with UK health experts

Your health and peace of mind are our mission. If you need support following a positive STI result, contact ManaPlus.co.uk today for expert advice, treatment, and ongoing care.