Hepatitis B
What is hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver. It is caused by the hepatitis B virus, which is typically spread through blood or bodily fluids, including sexual contact, sharing of needles or other injection equipment, or from mother to child during childbirth.
Who's at risk for hepatitis B?
Anyone can contract hepatitis B, but certain populations may be at higher risk, including:
- People who have close contact with someone who has hepatitis B
- Men who have sex with men
- People who use illicit drugs
- People who have multiple sexual partners
- Healthcare workers or others who are exposed to blood or bodily fluids on the job
- Infants born to mothers with hepatitis B
What causes hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus, which is typically spread through blood or bodily fluids, including sexual contact, sharing of needles or other injection equipment, or from mother to child during childbirth.
How does hepatitis B start?
Hepatitis B may begin with flu-like symptoms, such as fatigue, nausea, and abdominal pain. Other symptoms may include:
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Joint pain
- Dark urine
- Clay-colored stools
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- What are the symptoms of hepatitis B?
The symptoms of hepatitis B may vary, but may include:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Joint pain
- Dark urine
- Clay-colored stools
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
How is hepatitis B diagnosed?
Diagnosing hepatitis B typically involves a comprehensive evaluation of a person's symptoms, medical history, and risk factors, as well as diagnostic tests such as blood tests to detect the presence of the hepatitis B virus.
How can hepatitis B be treated?
Treatment for hepatitis B may involve antiviral medications to help suppress the virus and prevent liver damage. In some cases, people with chronic hepatitis B may require ongoing treatment to manage their condition and prevent complications.
What complications may occur with hepatitis B?
Complications of hepatitis B may include:
- Acute liver failure, which may be life-threatening and require emergency treatment
- Chronic hepatitis B infection, which can lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer over time
- Co-infection with other types of hepatitis, such as hepatitis C or HIV, which may occur in people who have risk factors for viral hepatitis
How can I prevent hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B can be prevented through vaccination and by taking precautions to avoid exposure to the virus, such as:
- Practicing safe sex by using condoms and avoiding high-risk sexual behaviors
- Avoiding sharing needles or other injection equipment
- Getting vaccinated against hepatitis B
- Taking precautions to prevent mother-to-child transmission during childbirth if you have hepatitis B
Long-term management of hepatitis B
People with chronic hepatitis B may require ongoing medical care and monitoring to manage their condition and prevent future liver damage. This may involve regular blood tests to monitor liver function and viral load, as well as ongoing treatment with antiviral medications or other therapies.
What is recent research saying about hepatitis B?
Recent research in hepatitis B has focused on improving prevention, diagnosis, and management of the condition, as well as identifying new treatment options and risk factors. Some of the promising areas of research include:
- Development of new therapies that may help improve outcomes for people with chronic hepatitis B, including new antiviral medications and other treatments
- Investigation of the impact of hepatitis B on health disparities, including the disproportionate burden of the disease on certain populations
- Exploration of the use of biomarkers and other tools to predict disease progression and guide treatment decisions
Where can I go for more information on hepatitis B?
If you or someone you know has hepatitis B or wants more information on the condition, it is important to seek help from a healthcare provider who specializes in the treatment of liver disease. The following organizations also provide information and resources on hepatitis B:
