What is hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a viral infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) that leads to inflammation of the liver. The CDC estimates approximately 640,000 Americans are living with chronic hepatitis B, though about 1 in 2 people with the infection are unaware they have it.
It can cause both acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) liver disease. Chronic hepatitis B can lead to severe health issues such as cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure.
Symptoms & Causes
Hepatitis B is often asymptomatic, meaning many people infected with the virus may not show any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can range from mild to severe and typically appear between one and six months after exposure.
Common symptoms of hepatitis B
- Mild flu-like symptoms
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Joint and muscle pain
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Dark urine and pale-colored stools
- Extreme tiredness
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to visit your healthcare provider for testing and diagnosis.
How do you get hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is transmitted through contact with the blood, semen, or other body fluids of an infected person. Common ways the virus is spread include:
- Unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person
- Sharing needles, syringes, or other drug-injecting equipment
- Sharing personal items like toothbrushes or razors that may have come into contact with infected blood
- Receiving tattoos or body piercings with unsterilized equipment
- From an infected mother to her baby during childbirth
Unlike hepatitis A, hepatitis B is not spread through casual contact, sharing food, or using the same utensils.
Testing & Treatment
Testing for hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is diagnosed with a blood test. This test can detect the presence of the virus and determine whether the infection is acute or chronic. Additionally, the blood test can check for antibodies that indicate immunity to the virus, either from previous infection or vaccination.
Regular monitoring of liver function through blood tests is crucial for those with chronic hepatitis B to assess the health of the liver and prevent complications.
Treatment for hepatitis B
There is no cure for hepatitis B, but there are treatments available to manage the infection and reduce the risk of complications, especially for chronic cases.
Treatment options
- Acute hepatitis B: There is no specific treatment for acute hepatitis B. Rest, adequate nutrition, and plenty of fluids are recommended to help the body recover. Most adults will recover from acute hepatitis B without lasting liver damage.
- Chronic hepatitis B: For chronic cases, antiviral medications may be prescribed to reduce the virus’s activity and prevent liver damage. Regular monitoring by a healthcare provider is essential to manage the disease effectively.
It is also important for individuals with chronic hepatitis B to avoid alcohol, maintain a healthy diet, and consult their doctor before taking any medications or supplements that could harm the liver.
Preventing hepatitis B
The best way to prevent hepatitis B is through vaccination. The hepatitis B vaccine is highly effective and provides long-term protection against the virus. The vaccination series typically involves three injections over six months, with a blood test four weeks after the last dose to ensure immunity.
Additional prevention measures
- Use condoms consistently and correctly during sex to reduce the risk of transmission.
- Avoid sharing needles, syringes, or other drug-injecting equipment.
- Do not share personal items like razors, toothbrushes, or nail clippers.
- Ensure that any tattoos or body piercings are done with sterilized equipment.
- Wear disposable gloves when providing first aid or cleaning up blood or bodily fluids.
Telling your partner
If you have hepatitis B, you should tell your current partners and anyone else that you’ve had sex with in the last 6 months. They can have hepatitis B without knowing it, so they should get tested as well.
TellYourPartner.com helps you send an anonymous hepatitis B text, so you can let partners know they’ve had contact with an infection without revealing your name.