Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). The virus can cause chronic and acute liver disease and is transmitted through blood and other body fluids.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 257 million people are living with Hepatitis B infection worldwide.

It is essential to know if you are at risk of contracting Hepatitis B, as early detection can prevent further damage to the liver and reduce the risk of transmission to others.

Here, we have created a one-minute test to help you determine if you are at risk of Hepatitis B.

What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause acute and chronic liver disease. The virus is transmitted through blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and other body fluids.

It can cause liver damage, liver cancer, and other health problems if left untreated.

What are the Symptoms of Hepatitis B?

The symptoms of Hepatitis B can vary, from very mild to severe. Some people have no symptoms at all. Here are some of the symptoms to look out for:.

Fever
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
Abdominal pain
Dark urine
Joint pain
Rash

If you experience these symptoms, it is advised that you seek medical attention immediately.

Who is at Risk of Hepatitis B?

Some people are at a higher risk of contracting Hepatitis B than others. The following people are considered to be at risk of Hepatitis B:.

People who have not been vaccinated against Hepatitis B
People who inject drugs or share needles and other drug equipment
People who have unprotected sex with an infected person
People who live with an infected person
Healthcare workers who come into contact with infected blood or body fluids
Babies born to infected mothers
People who travel to countries where Hepatitis B is common

If you are in one or more of these categories, you should seek medical advice about your risk of Hepatitis B.

One-Minute Test: Are You at Risk of Hepatitis B?

Please answer yes or no to the following questions to assess your risk of Hepatitis B:.

Have you ever been vaccinated against Hepatitis B?
Have you ever injected drugs or shared needles?
Do you have unprotected sex with someone who has Hepatitis B?
Do you live with someone who has Hepatitis B?
Are you a healthcare worker who comes into contact with infected blood or body fluids?
Were you born to a mother who has Hepatitis B?
Have you traveled to a country where Hepatitis B is common?
Have you received a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992?
Have you had unprotected sex with multiple partners?
Have you ever been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?

: Test Results

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you may be at risk of Hepatitis B. We recommend that you seek medical advice to determine your risk and whether you need to be vaccinated or screened for Hepatitis B.

If you answered no to all of the above questions, your risk of Hepatitis B is low. However, it is still recommended that you get vaccinated against Hepatitis B to protect yourself from future exposure.

Prevention and Treatment of Hepatitis B

There are several ways to prevent Hepatitis B, including:.

Getting vaccinated against Hepatitis B
Avoiding injecting drugs or sharing needles and other drug equipment
Using condoms during sex
Avoiding contact with infected blood or body fluids
Avoiding getting tattoos, body piercings, and acupuncture from unlicensed facilities
Avoiding sharing personal hygiene items such as toothbrushes and razors
Carefully following standard precautions if you work in the healthcare industry

If you are diagnosed with Hepatitis B, there are several treatments available, including:.