Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the liver.

How do you get it?

Hepatitis B can be transmitted by blood or sexual contact.

Risk of infection is higher if you:

have sex with someone infected

have sex with more than one partner

have ever injected illegal drugs

are a man and have sex with a man

live the in the same house with someone infected

have a job that involved contact with human blood

are a patient or work in a home for the disabled

have hemophilia

travel to an area where the virus is common

have parents that were born in Southeast Asia, Africa, the Amazon Basin in South America, the Pacific Islands and the Middle East

You get Hepatitis B by direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person. You cannot get the virus through food, water, or casual contact.

Hepatitis B carriers are people who have long-term infection and never fully recover from the virus. They carry the virus and can infect others for the rest of their lives. In the U.S., about one million people carry Hepatitis B Virus.

Symptoms

Symptoms include yellowing of the skin and eyes, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fever, stomach or joint pain, and exhaustion.

Complications

The virus can cause lifelong infection, cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver cancer, liver failure and death.

Treatment

There are medications available to treat long-term infection. There is no cure for Hepatitis B. Adefovir dipivoxil, alpha interferon, and lamivudine are three drugs used for the treatment of people with chronic Hepatitis B.

Prevention

Hepatitis B vaccine is the best protection against the virus. All should be vaccinated.

Also, don't inject drugs or share toothbrushes, razors or any personal care product that may come in contact with body fluid or blood. Consider the risks of tattoos and body piercings if good health practices are not used.

Resources: Heritage House '76, Inc.