What is Hepatitis B?

A viral infection known as hepatitis B damages the liver. The Hepatitis B virus is the root of the problem (HBV). The hepatitis B virus can spread by contact with the blood or fluids of an infected person. Sexual contact, sharing needles or other injecting tools, or getting poked by a needle or other sharp instrument contaminated with diseased blood are all ways that this might happen.

Symptoms of hepatitis B may include fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice). In some cases, people may not experience any symptoms at all. However, even if there are no symptoms, the virus can still be present and contagious.

Hepatitis B can be severe and lead to liver damage, liver scarring (cirrhosis), liver cancer, and even death. However, there is a vaccine that can prevent hepatitis B infection, and antiviral medications can help to control the infection and reduce the risk of liver damage. If any of them may have been exposed to the hepatitis B virus or are otherwise at risk of disease, you must get tested and discuss treatment and prevention options with your doctor.

The most prevalent liver infection in the world is hepatitis B. Worldwide, up to 2 billion people (or 1 in 3) have contracted the disease. In addition, around 250 million people worldwide have chronic hepatitis B infection, many of whom are unaware of it. Because of the vaccine, it is less widespread in the United States than in certain other countries.