Hepatitis B is an inflammation of the liver caused by a virus called the hepatitis B virus, or HBV. It may be either acute or chronic.
Unlike hepatitis A that is spread through ingestion of contaminated foods and beverages, hepatitis B is spread through contact with an infected person’s blood, semen, or other body fluid.
People can become infected with the virus through the following:
What are the symptoms of hepatitis B?
Some people infected with hepatitis B virus may not have symptoms. However, when symptoms appear, the infected person may feel like having the flu. Symptoms may include:
What tests are available for hepatitis B?
To check for hepatitis B, the doctor will test a sample of your blood. The doctor may also perform a procedure called liver biopsy. In this procedure, the doctor removes a tiny piece of your liver through a needle. The doctor will then check the liver tissue sample for signs of hepatitis B and liver damage.
Top of Page
How is hepatitis B treated?
Treatment of hepatitis B may involve drugs, such as interferon, lamivudine, and adefovir dipivoxil. (National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, 2006)
Over time, hepatitis B may cause the liver to stop working properly. A procedure called liver transplantation may be necessary. The procedure involves taking out the totally damaged liver and putting in a new, healthy one from a donor.
Top of Page
Prevention
The best way to prevent hepatitis B infection is by getting the hepatitis B vaccine.
Other ways to protect yourself and others from hepatitis B include:
For More Information
You can also get more information about hepatitis B from these institutions or groups: (links open in a new window)
American Liver Foundation (ALF)
Internet: www.liverfoundation.org
Hepatitis B Foundation
Internet: www.hepb.org
Hepatitis Foundation International (HFI)
Internet: www.hepfi.org
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)
Internet: www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov
References:
CDC Division of Viral Hepatitis (September 2008). Hepatitis B Information for the Public. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA. Web URL: http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/B/bFAQ.htm. Accessed: October 7, 2008
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (December 2006). What I need to know about Hepatitis B (NIH Publication No. 07—4228). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD. Web URL: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/hepa_ez/index.htm. Accessed: October 7, 2008
Top of Page
Acute hepatitis B virus infection is a short-term liver illness that occurs within the first 6 months after someone is exposed to the hepatitis virus. The acute infection may—but does not always—lead to chronic infection.How is hepatitis B spread?
Chronic hepatitis B infection is a long-term liver illness that occurs when the virus remains in a person’s body.
Unlike hepatitis A that is spread through ingestion of contaminated foods and beverages, hepatitis B is spread through contact with an infected person’s blood, semen, or other body fluid.
People can become infected with the virus through the following:
Birth (spread from an infected mother to her baby during birth)Hepatitis can not be spread through
Having sex with an infected person without using a condom
Sharing of drug needles
Sharing items such as razors or toothbrushes with an infected person
Getting pricked with a needle that has infected blood on it (health care workers can get infected this way)
Having a tattoo or body piercing done with dirty tools that were used on someone else who is infected
Shaking hands with a person with the infectionTop of Page
Hugging an infected person
Sharing of eating utensils
Breastfeeding
What are the symptoms of hepatitis B?
Some people infected with hepatitis B virus may not have symptoms. However, when symptoms appear, the infected person may feel like having the flu. Symptoms may include:
feverTop of Page
fatigue
loss of appetite
nausea
vomiting
abdominal pain
light-colored stools
dark yellow urine
jaundice (yellow color in the skin or eyes)
What tests are available for hepatitis B?
To check for hepatitis B, the doctor will test a sample of your blood. The doctor may also perform a procedure called liver biopsy. In this procedure, the doctor removes a tiny piece of your liver through a needle. The doctor will then check the liver tissue sample for signs of hepatitis B and liver damage.
Top of Page
How is hepatitis B treated?
Treatment of hepatitis B may involve drugs, such as interferon, lamivudine, and adefovir dipivoxil. (National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, 2006)
Over time, hepatitis B may cause the liver to stop working properly. A procedure called liver transplantation may be necessary. The procedure involves taking out the totally damaged liver and putting in a new, healthy one from a donor.
Top of Page
Prevention
The best way to prevent hepatitis B infection is by getting the hepatitis B vaccine.
Other ways to protect yourself and others from hepatitis B include:
using a condom when you have sexTop of Page
not sharing drug needles with anyone
wearing gloves if you have to touch anyone’s blood
not using an infected person’s toothbrush or razor
making sure that any tattooing or body piercing is done with clean tools
For More Information
You can also get more information about hepatitis B from these institutions or groups: (links open in a new window)
American Liver Foundation (ALF)
Internet: www.liverfoundation.org
Hepatitis B Foundation
Internet: www.hepb.org
Hepatitis Foundation International (HFI)
Internet: www.hepfi.org
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)
Internet: www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov
References:
CDC Division of Viral Hepatitis (September 2008). Hepatitis B Information for the Public. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA. Web URL: http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/B/bFAQ.htm. Accessed: October 7, 2008
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (December 2006). What I need to know about Hepatitis B (NIH Publication No. 07—4228). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD. Web URL: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/hepa_ez/index.htm. Accessed: October 7, 2008
Top of Page
