Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). For some people, hepatitis B infection becomes chronic, meaning it lasts more than six months. Having chronic hepatitis B increases your risk of developing liver failure, liver cancer or cirrhosis — a condition that permanently scars the liver.

Hepatitis B is spread when blood, semen, or other body fluids from a person infected with the virus enters the body of someone who is not infected. This can happen through:

• Birth (from an infected mother to her baby during birth)
• Sex with an infected partner
• Sharing needles, syringes, or drug preparation equipment
• Sharing items such as razors or toothbrushes with an infected person
• Direct contact with the blood or open sores of an infected person

Many people with hepatitis B don't experience any symptoms and may not realize they're infected. When symptoms do appear, they may include:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Abdominal pain, especially in the area of your liver (on your right side beneath your lower ribs)
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Joint pain
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Dark urine and pale stools

Vaccination

The hepatitis B vaccine is the most effective way to prevent infection. The vaccine is typically given as a series of 3-4 shots over a 6-month period. It's recommended for:

• All infants at birth
• Children and adolescents who were not vaccinated at birth
• People at increased risk of infection (healthcare workers, people with multiple sexual partners, etc.)

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for acute hepatitis B. Care is aimed at maintaining comfort and adequate nutritional balance. For chronic hepatitis B, treatment may include:

• Antiviral medications to fight the virus and slow its ability to damage the liver
• Liver transplant for people with severe liver damage
• Regular monitoring for liver disease progression