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Which microbe causes Hepatitis B?
  • This is a liver disease caused by Hepatitis B virus. Remember that at least two other viruses, Hepatitis A and C also cause liver disease and will be addressed elsewhere. These are all contagious diseases.
 
How is the Hepatitis B virus transmitted?
Hepatitis B can be transmitted through the blood and bodily fluids (e.g., semen, saliva, vaginal fluid). Below are some typical ways to be infected by the virus.
  • Being stuck with a contaminated needle in the hospital (less common). 
  • Sharing needles used to inject drugs 
  • Having sex with someone who is infected.
  • Getting kidney dialysis or organ transplantation from infected blood (less common). 
  • From an infected pregnant mother to her baby
  • Sharing contaminated razor blades, toothbrushes or open wounds from infected people (less common)
 
What are the symptoms of acute Hepatitis B?
     -The symptoms may appear between 1.5 and 6 months after you are infected and include:
  • Fever
  • Feeling tired
  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Loss of appetite
  • Joint pain
  • Dark urine
  • Jaundice (Yellowing of the whites of the eyes and the skin, 
  Note. Jaundice of the skin is difficult to see if you a have a dark skin
 
What are the symptoms of severe chronic Hepatitis B?
-Chronic Hepatitis B is a long-term infection that lasts for more than 6    months
-Chronic Hepatitis B will occur in:
                  90% of babies after acute infection at birth
                  25%-50% of children newly infected at ages of 1–5 years
                   5% of infected adults
 -However, about 15% to 25% of people with chronic Hepatitis B will develop chronic liver disease including:
  • Cirrhosis
  • Liver failure
  • Liver cancer
 
Are there treatments for Hepatitis B?
  • Yes, consult your physician to find out if they are available and appropriate for you. 
 
How do you prevent Hepatitis B?
     -There is a vaccine available. In the US, it is recommended for:
  • All babies
  • Pregnant mothers unless they are already vaccinated
  • People who are sexually active 
  • People living in a house with someone who has tested positive for Hepatitis B
  • People working in a clinic or hospital
  • Dialysis patients
  • Travelers to countries with a high hepatitis B incidence
  • People who have Hepatitis C
  • People who have HIV
  • People in a prison
 
Some of this information comes from the US CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/resources/professionals/pdfs/abctable.pdf
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