Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). HBV is one of five types of viral hepatitis. The others are hepatitis A, C, D, and E. Each is a different type of virus. Types B and C are most likely to become chronic, or long lasting. Show According to the World Health Organization, around 296 million people around the world are living with hepatitis B. Around 1.5 million people newly contracted chronic hepatitis B in 2019. HBV infection can be acute or chronic. Acute hepatitis B causes symptoms to appear quickly in adults. Infants who contract it at birth rarely develop only acute hepatitis B. Nearly all hepatitis B infections in infants go on to become chronic. Chronic hepatitis B develops slowly. Symptoms may not be noticeable unless complications develop. Symptoms of acute hepatitis B may not be apparent for months. But common symptoms include:
Any symptoms of hepatitis B need urgent evaluation. Symptoms of acute hepatitis B are worse in people over age 60. Let your doctor know immediately if you’ve been exposed to hepatitis B. You may be able to prevent infection. Hepatitis B is a viral infection that’s transmitted through blood or other bodily fluids, including semen or vaginal fluids. Some of the ways hepatitis B can be transmitted include:
Although the virus may be found in the saliva, hepatitis B is not transmitted through:
Certain groups have a particularly high risk of HBV infection. These include:
According to the WHO, around 296 million people around the globe live with chronic HBV. Around 1.5 million new infections occur every year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chronic hepatitis B affects approximately 1.2 million people in the United States. But HBV often goes undetected. In fact, the WHO estimates that only about 10.5% of people living with hepatitis B were aware of their condition as of 2019. Doctors can usually diagnose hepatitis B with blood tests. Screening for hepatitis B may be recommended for people who:
To screen for hepatitis B, your doctor will perform a series of blood tests. Hepatitis B surface antigen testA hepatitis B surface antigen test shows if you have an active infection. A positive result means you have hepatitis B and can transmit the virus to others. A negative result means you don’t currently have hepatitis B. This test doesn’t distinguish between chronic and acute infection. This test is used together with other hepatitis B tests to determine the state of a hepatitis B infection. Hepatitis B core antibody testThe hepatitis B core antigen test shows whether you’re currently living with HBV. Positive results usually mean you have acute or chronic hepatitis B. It may also mean you’re recovering from acute hepatitis B. Hepatitis B surface antibody testA hepatitis B surface antibody test is used to check for immunity to HBV. A positive test means you’re immune to hepatitis B. There are two possible reasons for a positive test:
Liver function testsLiver function tests are important in people with hepatitis B or any liver disease. These tests check your blood for the number of enzymes your liver makes. High levels of liver enzymes indicate a damaged or inflamed liver. These results can also help determine which part of your liver may be functioning abnormally. If liver function tests show high levels of liver enzymes, you might need testing for hepatitis B, C, or other liver infections. Hepatitis B and C viruses are a major cause of liver damage throughout the world. You’ll likely also need an ultrasound of the liver or other imaging tests. If you think you may have been exposed to hepatitis B, it’s important to talk with a healthcare professional as soon as possible. A doctor or other healthcare professional may administer the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine and a shot of hepatitis B immunoglobulin. This is a combination of antibodies that provide short-term protection against the virus. Though both can be given up to a week after exposure, they’re most effective at preventing infection if administered within 48 hours. If you receive a diagnosis of acute hepatitis B, a doctor may refer you to a specialist. They may advise you to get regular blood tests to ensure you don’t develop chronic hepatitis. Many people with acute hepatitis B don’t experience serious symptoms. But if you do, it can help to:
Other lifestyle changes may also be needed to manage your infection, such as:
If blood tests show you still have an active infection after 6 months, your doctor may recommend further treatment, including medications to help control the virus and prevent liver damage. MedicationsSome medications a doctor may prescribe to treat chronic hepatitis B include:
Complications of having chronic hepatitis B include: Hepatitis D infection can only occur in people with hepatitis B. Hepatitis D is uncommon in the United States but can also lead to chronic liver disease. Hepatitis B can be transmitted from a birthing parent to a newborn infant. This is because the newborn is exposed to blood and bodily fluids during delivery. In fact, 90% of mothers with an acute hepatitis B infection and 10% to 20% of mothers with chronic hepatitis B will transmit the virus to their newborn, estimates the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. For this reason, birthing parents are routinely screened for hepatitis B during each pregnancy. Additionally, the hepatitis B vaccine and hepatitis B immune globulin are both administered to infants with an HBV-positive birthing parent within 12 hours of birth to prevent infection. According to the CDC, without this treatment, around 40% of infants with an HBV-positive birthing parent would develop chronic hepatitis B, of which approximately 25% would eventually die from chronic liver disease. The best way to prevent hepatitis B infection is to get the hepatitis B vaccine. It’s very safe and effective. The CDC now recommends nearly universal vaccination for hepatitis B. This includes:
Adults ages 60 and older who do not have known risk factors for hepatitis B may still choose to get vaccinated. The following groups are at greater risk of hepatitis B:
The hepatitis B vaccine is usually administered in three shots, given 1 month and 6 months after the first dose. Another recently approved vaccine is completed in two doses spaced 1 month apart. Hepatitis B is highly contagious. It’s transmitted through contact with blood and certain other bodily fluids. Although the virus can be found in saliva, it’s not transmitted through sharing utensils or kissing. It’s also not transmitted through sneezing, coughing, or breastfeeding. Symptoms of hepatitis B may not appear for 3 months after exposure. Symptoms can last for several weeks. But even without symptoms, you can still transmit the infection to others. The virus can live outside the body and remains infectious for at least 7 days. Possible methods of transmission include:
Hepatitis B is a highly contagious condition. It’s associated with many serious complications, some of which can be life threatening. But there are many treatment options available and multiple ways you can prevent infection, including getting vaccinated. If you suspect you may have been exposed to hepatitis B, it’s important to talk with a doctor to prevent infection and determine the best course of treatment for you. There’s currently no known cure for hepatitis B, but there are many ways you can prevent infection and avoid transmitting the virus to others. The most effective and safe way to prevent hepatitis B is to get vaccinated. You can also use barrier methods, like condoms, when having sex and avoid sharing needles. How long can you live with hepatitis B?Most people who contract hepatitis B during adulthood fully recover within 1 to 3 months. People with chronic hepatitis B may have a higher risk of developing long-term liver problems, like cirrhosis or liver cancer, which require treatment and may be life threatening. Keep in mind that the risk of developing chronic hepatitis B is higher for babies and children, especially if they have not been vaccinated against the virus. Can you get hepatitis B from blood transfusions?Though hepatitis B is transmitted through bodily fluids, including blood, the risk of transmission from a blood transfusion is extremely low. This is because all blood used for blood transfusions in the United States has been screened for hepatitis B since 1972, making transfusion-transmitted HBV very rare. Who should get the hepatitis B vaccine?Infants should receive their first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth and subsequent doses between 6 and 18 months of age. Children, adolescents, and adults who have not received the vaccine should also be vaccinated against hepatitis B. This is especially important for those at an increased risk of infection, such as:
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