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It is caused by the Hepatitis B Virus.

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Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by a virus. Some people may only be sick for a short time (acute) while some people are sick for the rest of their lives (chronic).

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Doctors usually begin with an examination where they look for signs of liver damage, such as yellowing skin or belly pain. They will confirm the diagnosis by prescribing blood tests, a liver ultrasound, and/or a liver biopsy.

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Unfortunately, there is no cure, but there are several treatment options available today. There are two types of Hepatitis B infections - acute and chronic.

Acute Hepatitis B infections will most likely will go away on their own with lots of rest, proper nutrition and hydration.

Patients with chronic Hepatitis B infections will require treatments such as antiviral medications, Interferon injections, and/or liver transplants. These treatments can prevent further liver damage and keep patients from spreading the virus to others.

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What can you do if you suspect that you've been exposed to Hepatitis B?

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What can you do if you suspect that you've been exposed to Hepatitis B?

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If you've never had the Hepatitis B vaccine, you will need to contact your health care provider immediately. An injection of immunoglobulin administered within 24 hours may prevent you from getting sick. And, you should follow that with the Hepatitis B vaccine at the same time.

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Get vaccinated!!

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Hepatitis B is contagious and can be transmitted in many ways. Most infected people don't know they are sick because they don't look or feel sick, so they may infect others without knowing.

birth to an infected person

sex with an infected partner

sharing contaminated needles, syringes, or other drug paraphernalia

sharing contaminated medical equipment, toothbrushes, or razors

direct contact with blood or open sore of an infected person

exposure to infected blood via needlesticks or other sharp instruments

inadequate infection control in healthcare facilities.

Most infected people don't they are sick and may unknowingly infect others.

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You can't become reinfected, but it can reactivate. Reactivation is rare and occurs most often in people with suppressed immune systems.

The virus can last for 7 days outside the body.

People with Hepatitis B can't donate blood, but they may be able to donate organs and tissue in specific situations.

Hepatitis B is not transmitted through hugging, sneezing, breastfeeding, saliva (kissing/coughing), water, or food.

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What effect does Hepatitis B have on newborns?

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What effect does Hepatitis B have on newborns?

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Newborns can become infected at birth or less often after birth. They are most often chronically infected and usually exhibit a failure to thrive, lethargy, and jaundice. This can lead to more serious conditions later in life such as liver damage or liver cancer.

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What are the long term effects of Hepatitis B?

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What are the long term effects of Hepatitis B?

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Some people diagnosed with Hepatitis B lead normal lives. However, some people experience more debilitating outcomes such as liver damage, liver failure, liver cancer, or death.