DigiNepal · preventive
Hepatitis B
What is hepatitis ? Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. Inflammation is swelling that happens when tissues of the body are injured or infected. It can damage your liver. This swelling and damage can affect how well your liver functions. What is hepatitis B ? Hepatitis B is a type of viral hepatitis . It can cause an acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term) infection. People with an acute infection usually get better on their own without treatment. Some people with chronic hepatitis B will need treatment. Thanks to a vaccine, hepatitis B is not very common in the United States. It is more common in certain parts of the world, such as sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia. What causes hepatitis B ? Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus. The virus spreads through contact with blood, semen, or other body fluids from a person who has the virus. Who is at risk for hepatitis B ? Anyone can get hepatitis B , but the risk is higher in: Infants born to mothers who have hepatitis B People who inject drugs or share needles, syringes, and other types of drug equipment Sex partners of people with hepatitis B , especially if they are not using latex or polyurethane condoms during sex Men who have sex with men People who live with someone who has hepatitis B , especially if they use the same razor, toothbrush, or nail clippers Health care and public-safety workers who are exposed to blood on the job Hemodialysis patients People who have lived in or traveled often to parts of the world where hepatitis B is common People who have diabetes, hepatitis C , or HIV What are the symptoms of hepatitis B ? Often, people with hepatitis B don't have symptoms. Adults and children over 5 are more likely to have symp Source: MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, https://medlineplus.gov/hepatitisb.html (public domain NLM text). General information, not medical advice; consult a clinician.