Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Hepatitis B affects both men and women. Hepatitis B is spread when blood, semen, or another body fluid from an infected person enters the body of someone who is not infected. This can happen through sexual contact, using contaminated syringes or needles (acupuncture, tattoos, or drug injection), sharing personal hygiene items (i.e., razors), direct contact with open sores, or from mother to baby during delivery (source).
To completely avoid STIs, abstain from vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
The best prevention for hepatitis B is vaccination. The hepatitis B vaccine is safe and effective. It is usually given as three or four shots over a six-month period.
Children & Teens
All children should get their first does for the hepatitis B vaccine at birth. They should have received the complete series by 18 months of age.
All children and teens younger than age 19 who have not yet gotten the vaccine should be vaccinated.
Adults
Any adult who is at risk for hepatitis B or who wants to be vaccinated should talk to a health professional.
You need one or more blood tests. These tests can tell if you:
Many people with chronic hepatitis B do not know they are infected because they do not feel or look sick. They are still at risk for serious health problems, and they can still spread the virus to other people.
Hepatitis B has two types of illness:
Acute Hepatitis B
Although most adults get symptoms from acute hepatitis B, many children under age 5 do not. Symptoms can start at any time between six weeks and six months after infection, but three months is typical. Symptoms usually last only a few weeks, but some people are sick for as long as six months.
Symptoms of Acute hepatitis:
Chronic Hepatitis B
Chronic hepatitis B is a serious disease that can result in long-term liver problems or even death. The younger the person is when infected, the more likely it is that acute hepatitis B will become chronic. About 90% of infants who are infected become chronically ill, compared with about 4% of adults.
Acute Hepatitis B
There is no medication available to treat acute hepatitis B. During this short-term infection, people need rest, adequate nutrition and fluids. Some people may need to be hospitalized.
Chronic Hepatitis B
There is no one treatment for chronic hepatitis B. Some medication is available, but treatment focuses mainly on managing symptoms. People with chronic hepatitis B should be monitored regularly. They should avoid substances that can cause more liver damage, such as alcohol and some medications.
Symptoms of chronic hepatitis B can take decades to develop and may be similar to those of an acute infection.
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