Hepatitis B is a liver infection that is caused by the hepatitis B virus. This infection can present as acute hepatitis B, a short-term sickness that only lasts a few weeks, or chronic hepatitis B, a long-term sickness that can be a life-long infection. There is an estimated 257 million people worldwide who are living with hepatitis B.
Hepatitis b VIrus & vaccine FAQ's
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Who is at risk of chronic HBV?
The younger a person is when they are infected with hepatitis B, the higher their chances are of developing a life-long infection. About one in three children infected at the age of 6 or younger will develop chronic hepatitis B. Almost all older children and adults can recover completely and will not develop chronic infection. |
What are the signs and symptoms of HPV?
Acute hepatitis B symptoms include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, clay-colored bowel movements, joint pain, and jaundice. Chronic hepatitis B does not typically have any symptoms. If symptoms do appear, they are similar to the symptoms of acute infection but can also be a sign of advanced liver disease. |
How can hepatitis B virus be prevented?
The best way to prevent the hepatitis B virus is by getting vaccinated against it. This vaccination is safe and effective. In order to be fully protected the full series of shots must be completed.
Who should be vaccinated?
Everyone should be vaccinated, vaccines can be given to every age group beginning at birth.
How is hepatitis B spread?
Hepatitis B is spread through body fluids such as blood or semen, that are infected entering the body of someone who is not infected. This can occur through birth (an infected mother spreading the infection to their baby), sex with an infected partner, sharing needles, sharing items such as toothbrushes or razors, and direct contact with blood or sores of an infected person. Many infected people do not know they are infected because they do not feel or look sick but they can still spread the virus.
How is hepatitis B NOT spread?
Hepatitis B cannot be spread through food or water, shared eating utensils, breastfeeding, coughing, sneezing, hand holding, hugging, or kissing.
The best way to prevent the hepatitis B virus is by getting vaccinated against it. This vaccination is safe and effective. In order to be fully protected the full series of shots must be completed.
Who should be vaccinated?
Everyone should be vaccinated, vaccines can be given to every age group beginning at birth.
How is hepatitis B spread?
Hepatitis B is spread through body fluids such as blood or semen, that are infected entering the body of someone who is not infected. This can occur through birth (an infected mother spreading the infection to their baby), sex with an infected partner, sharing needles, sharing items such as toothbrushes or razors, and direct contact with blood or sores of an infected person. Many infected people do not know they are infected because they do not feel or look sick but they can still spread the virus.
How is hepatitis B NOT spread?
Hepatitis B cannot be spread through food or water, shared eating utensils, breastfeeding, coughing, sneezing, hand holding, hugging, or kissing.
All information on this page comes from the CDC's website on hepatitis B. Follow the link below for more information on the hepatitis B virus and vaccine.