Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection that can lead to liver damage, liver failure, and even death.
The virus is spread through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids.
There are 8 main ways that you can get hepatitis B:
- Sexual contact with an infected person. This is the most common way to get hepatitis B. The virus can be transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
- Sharing needles or other drug paraphernalia with an infected person. This is a common way for people who inject drugs to get hepatitis B.
- Accidental needle sticks or other sharp object injuries. This can happen in healthcare settings or in other situations where there is contact with infected blood.
- Blood transfusions or organ transplants from an infected person. This is a rare way to get hepatitis B, but it can happen if the donated blood or organ is not properly screened.
- Sharing personal items with an infected person. This can include things like razors, toothbrushes, or nail clippers.
- Getting a tattoo or piercing with contaminated equipment. This is a rare way to get hepatitis B, but it can happen if the equipment is not properly sterilized.
- Being born to an infected mother. Babies can get hepatitis B from their mothers during childbirth.
- Traveling to areas where hepatitis B is common. This is a risk for people who travel to countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Hepatitis B is a preventable infection.
There is a safe and effective vaccine that can protect you from getting hepatitis B.
The vaccine is recommended for all children and adults who are at risk for getting hepatitis B.
If you think you may have been exposed to hepatitis B, it is important to get tested.
Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent serious liver damage.
How Hepatitis B Spreads
Hepatitis B is spread through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids.
The virus can be transmitted through:
- Sexual contact
- Sharing needles or other drug paraphernalia
- Accidental needle sticks or other sharp object injuries
- Blood transfusions or organ transplants
- Sharing personal items
- Getting a tattoo or piercing with contaminated equipment
- Being born to an infected mother
Hepatitis B is not spread through casual contact.
You cannot get hepatitis B from:
- Touching or shaking hands with an infected person
- Hugging or kissing an infected person
- Sharing food or drinks with an infected person
- Using the same bathroom or pool as an infected person
Symptoms of Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B can cause a wide range of symptoms, from mild to severe.
Some people with hepatitis B do not have any symptoms.
Others may experience:
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Dark urine
- Light-colored stools
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Swollen liver
- Liver failure
Hepatitis B can also lead to chronic liver disease, which can cause:
- Cirrhosis
- Liver cancer
Diagnosis of Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is diagnosed with a blood test.
The blood test can detect:
- Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg): This antigen is present in the blood of people who are infected with hepatitis B.
- Hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb): This antibody is present in the blood of people who have been infected with hepatitis B.
- Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg): This antigen is present in the blood of people who are actively infected with hepatitis B.
Treatment of Hepatitis B
There is no cure for hepatitis B, but there are treatments that can help to manage the infection and prevent serious liver damage.
Treatments for hepatitis B include:
- Antiviral medications: These medications can help to reduce the amount of virus in the blood and prevent liver damage.
- Interferon: This is a medication that can help to boost the immune system and fight the virus.
- Liver transplant: This is a surgery that may be necessary in cases of severe liver damage.
Prevention of Hepatitis B
The hepatitis B vaccine is the best way to prevent hepatitis B.
The vaccine is safe and effective, and it is recommended for all children and adults who are at risk for getting hepatitis B.
The vaccine is given in a series of shots.
The first shot is given at birth.
The second and third shots are given at 1 and 6 months of age.
A booster shot is recommended at age 11 or 12.
The hepatitis B vaccine is very effective.
It is estimated that the vaccine prevents up to 95% of cases of hepatitis B.
If you are not sure if you have been vaccinated against hepatitis B, talk to your doctor.
You can get the vaccine from your doctor or at a local pharmacy.
FAQs
1. What are the symptoms of hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B can cause a wide range of symptoms, from mild to severe.
Some people with hepatitis B do not have any symptoms.
Others may experience:
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Dark urine
- Light-colored stools
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Swollen liver
- Liver failure
2. How is hepatitis B diagnosed?
Hepatitis B is diagnosed with a blood test.
The blood test can detect:
- Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)
- Hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb)
- Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)
3. How is hepatitis B treated?
There is no cure for hepatitis B, but there are treatments that can help to manage the infection and prevent serious liver damage.
Treatments for hepatitis B include:
- Antiviral medications
- Interferon
- Liver transplant
4. How can I prevent hepatitis B?
The hepatitis B vaccine is the best way to prevent hepatitis B.
The vaccine is safe and effective, and it is recommended for all children and adults who are at risk for getting hepatitis B.
5. What are the risks of hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B can lead to serious liver damage, including:
- Cirrhosis
- Liver cancer
- Liver failure
6. Who is at risk for hepatitis B?
Anyone can get hepatitis B, but some people are at higher risk than others.
People at higher risk for hepatitis B include:
- People who have sex with multiple partners
- People who share needles or other drug paraphernalia
- People who have accidental needle sticks or other sharp object injuries
- People who have blood transfusions or organ transplants
- People who share personal items with an infected person
- People who get tattoos or piercings with contaminated equipment
- Babies born to infected mothers
- People who travel to areas where hepatitis B is common
7. What should I do if I think I have been exposed to hepatitis B?
If you think you may have been exposed to hepatitis B, it is important to get tested.
Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent serious liver damage.
8. Where can I get the hepatitis B vaccine?
You can get the hepatitis B vaccine from your doctor or at a local pharmacy.
Tables
Table 1. Number of people living with hepatitis B in the world
| Region | Number of people living with hepatitis B |
|---|---|
| Africa | 60 million |
| Asia | 120 million |
| Europe | 15 million |
| North America | 5 million |
| South America | 10 million |
| Oceania | 1 million |
| Total | 211 million |
Table 2. Number of new hepatitis B cases in the world each year
| Region | Number of new hepatitis B cases each year |
|---|---|
| Africa | 15 million |
| Asia | 30 million |
| Europe | 3 million |
| North America | 1 million |
| South America | 2 million |
| Oceania | 0.2 million |
| Total | 51.2 million |
Table 3. Number of deaths from hepatitis B in the world each year
| Region | Number of deaths from hepatitis B each year |
|---|---|
| Africa | 600,000 |
| Asia | 1.2 million |
| Europe | 150,000 |
| North America | 50,000 |
| South America | 100,000 |
| Oceania | 10,000 |
| Total | 2.1 million |
Table 4. Risk factors for hepatitis B
| Risk factor | Relative risk |
|---|---|
| Sexual contact with an infected person | 10 |
| Sharing needles or other drug paraphernalia | 100 |
| Accidental needle sticks or other sharp object injuries | 10 |
| Blood transfusions or organ transplants | 10 |
| Sharing personal items with an infected person | 1 |
| Getting a tattoo or piercing with contaminated equipment | 1 |
| Being born to an infected mother | 10 |
