Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and is a serious and contagious disease that attacks the liver. HBV is 100 times more infectious than HIV through sexual contact.
There is no cure for hepatitis B. HBV infection can lead to:
- cirrhosis
- liver failure
- liver cancer
- death
How is it spread?
- Infection occurs when blood or body fluids (serum, semen, vaginal secretions, saliva) from an infected person enters an individuals blood stream, through broken skin or mucous membrane
- HBV is spread through unprotected sex (vaginal, anal, and oral) with an infected person; sharing needles or "works" when "shooting" drugs, sharing razors, earrings and toothbrushes; exposure through contact sports; through needlesticks or cuts from contaminated sharps on the job; or from an infected mother to her baby during birth
- HBV is not spread through food, kissing the cheek/lips, coughing, sneezing or casual contact
- HBV is not found in sweat, tears, urine, or respiratory secretions
What does the hepatitis B virus (HBV) do?
The hepatitis B virus attacks liver cells and can lead to liver failure, cirrhosis (scarring) or cancer of the liver. Hepatitis B carriers have a 200 times greater chance of contracting liver cancer.
The incubation period, or the time between exposure to HBV and display of symptoms, is 6 weeks to 6 months.
Many people with hepatitis B may feel healthy and not know they have the disease.
How do I know if I have hepatitis B?
About 30% of persons have no signs or symptoms. Only a blood test can tell for sure if a person has hepatitis B. Those exhibiting symptoms may experience:
- Long term illness similar to a stomack virus that may last for weeks or months
- Jaundice (yellowing of eyes/skin)
- Dark colored urine
- Light colored stool
- Pain in muscles, joints, and stomach
- Nausea, vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Fever
Chronic infection occurs in:
- 90% of infants infected at birth
- 30% of children infected at age 1-5 years
- 6% of persons infected after age 5 years
Fifteen to twenty-five percent (15 - 25%) of chronically infected persons die from liver disease.
What does it mean to be a hepatitis B carrier?
Hepatitis B carriers are people who have chronic infection with the HBV and never recover fully from the infection; they carry the virus and can infect others for the rest of their lives.
Can I get a shot to prevent hepatitis B?
Yes. A safe and effective vaccine is available. This vaccine, along with safe lifestyle behaviors (see Prevention Section), is an easy and simple way to minimize your chance of getting hepatitis B.
The following groups of people should get vaccinated:
- All babies, at birth
- Anyone 18 years of age and under
- Persons whose jobs expose them to human blood or body fluid (health care or public safety workers)
- Anyone at risk (see Risk Factors Section)
Are there risks to getting this shot?
- Risks of hepatitis B vaccine causing serious harm or death is extremely rare and would occur within a few minutes to a few hours after the shot
- Mild problems may include: (1) Soreness where the shot was given, lasting a day or two [1 out of 4 adults]; and/or (2) a mild to moderate fever [1 out of 100 adults]
- You cannot get the disease from the vaccine
- Give the rare occurrence of serious side-effects, national and state health organizations endorse the vaccination for high-risk groups and school-age children and infants
What are some hepatitis B facts?
- Approximately 1.25 million people are infected in the US and over 300 million worldwide
- Hepatitis B is the second leading cause of cancer behind tobacco
- Hepatitis B is 100 times more contagious than HIV
- About 30% of those infected do not have symptoms yet can go on to infect others
- Liver cancer is 200 times more likely if you have hepatitis B
- There is no cure for hepatitis B but the vaccination is very effective in preventing infection
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