Hepatitis B
- What is Hepatitis B?
- What causes Hepatitis B?
- How could I get Hepatitis B?
- What are the symptoms of Hepatitis B?
- What are the tests for Hepatitis B?
- How is Hepatitis B treated?
- How can I protect myself from getting Hepatitis B?
- Who should get vaccinated?
- How do I schedule a Hepatitis B vaccine series?
What is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a virus that attacks the liver. A healthy liver does many things to keep you alive. The liver fights infections and stops bleeding. It removes drugs and poisons from your blood. The liver also stores energy for when you need it. Hepatitis can cause lifelong infection, cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer, liver failure, and death.
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What causes Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is caused by a virus. A virus is a germ that causes sickness. (For example, a virus causes the flu. Read more about viruses) People can pass viruses to each other.
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How could I get Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is spread by contact with an infected person's blood, semen or other bodily fluid. You could get Hepatitis B by:- Having sex with an infected person without using a condom.
- Sharing drug needles
- Having a tattoo or body piercing done with dirty tools - tools that were used on an infected person.
- Getting pricked with a needle that has infected blood on it (health care workers can get hepatitis this way).
- Sharing a toothbrush or razor with an infected person.
- A baby can be infected by breast milk.
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What are the symptoms of Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B makes you feel like you have the flu. You may feel tired, sick to your stomach, have a fever, not want to eat or have diarrhea. Some people have dark urine and light-colored stools. Some people don't have any symptoms. If you are having symptoms, or believe that you have Hepatitis B, go to a doctor.
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What are the tests for Hepatitis B?
To check for Hepatitis B, the doctor will test your blood. The test will show if you have hepatitis B and how serious it is. The doctor may also do a liver biospy. A biopsy is a simple test.
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How is Hepatitis B treated?
There are three drugs licensed for treatment of Hepatitis B. There is no cure. If your liver is very diseased, you may need a liver transplant.
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How can I protect myself from getting Hepatitis B?
Your best protection is from the Hepatitis B vaccine. The vaccine is given through a series of three shots. You need all three shots to protect yourself. Also, you can use latex condoms correctly every time you have sex. Do not shoot drugs or share drug paraphrenalia. Do not share personal care items that may have blood on them. And, consider the risks of tatoos and piercings.
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Who should get vaccinated?- All babies, at birth
- All children 0-18 who have not been vaccinated
- Persons of any age whose behavior, or jobs, puts them at high risk
How do I schedule a Hepatitis B Vaccine series?
Contact your doctor. An employer can schedule a vaccination clinic at the workplace.
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Read More About Hepatitis BRead more about Hepatitis B in our Healthwise Knowledgebase:
Hepatitis B Overview
Hepatitis B Causes
What increases your risk
When to call the Doctor
Treatment Overview
Medications
Prevention
Hepatitis B Vaccine
Exams and Tests for Hepatitis B