condition Hepatitis B

Overview

Hepatitis B is an infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. The virus spreads through contact with infected blood or other body fluids – like during sex without a condom or by sharing things like razors. Pregnant women with hepatitis B (HBV) can pass the virus to their newborn during birth. After being exposed, many adults with strong immune systems can fight off the virus without treatment, but if a blood test shows HBV six months later, the infection is now chronic and needs to be treated. Babies who get infected are very likely – over 90% – to develop chronic HBV. If not treated, chronic HBV will continue to damage the liver and can lead to serious problems like cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer. People may not notice symptoms of acute HBV, but these can include fever, muscle pains, nausea and vomiting, light-colored stool, and/or dark or “tea-colored” urine. Chronic HBV infection does not usually show symptoms, but yellow skin, stomach swelling, or other signs of liver failure should be reported to a doctor right away. Chronic hepatitis B cannot be cured, but it can be prevented or controlled. Three vaccines are available to prevent infection, and several medications can stop the hepatitis B virus from multiplying and continuing to harm the liver.