Search results
Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). For most people, hepatitis B is short term, also called acute, and lasts less than six months. But for others, the infection becomes chronic, meaning it lasts more than six months.
Mar 9, 2023 · Hepatitis B is a vaccine-preventable liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Hepatitis B is spread when blood, semen, or other body fluids from a person infected with the virus enters the body of someone who is not infected. This can happen through sexual contact; sharing needles, syringes, or other drug-injection equipment; or ...
- Overview. What is hepatitis? Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. When the liver is inflamed or damaged, its function can be affected. Heavy alcohol use, toxins, some medications, and certain medical conditions can all cause hepatitis.
- Transmission. How is hepatitis B spread? Hepatitis B is spread when blood, semen, or other body fluids – even in microscopic amounts — from a person infected with the hepatitis B virus enters the body of someone who is not infected-.
- Vaccination. Can hepatitis B be prevented? Yes. The best way to prevent hepatitis B is by getting vaccinated. The hepatitis B vaccine is safe and effective.
- Symptoms. Does acute (short-term) hepatitis B cause symptoms? Sometimes. Most children younger than 5 and people with serious health problems (like having compromised immune systems) have no symptoms.
Apr 9, 2024 · Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus. The infection can be acute (short and severe) or chronic (long term). Hepatitis B can cause a chronic infection and puts people at high risk of death from cirrhosis and liver cancer. It can spread through contact with infected body fluids like blood, saliva, vaginal ...
Dec 21, 2022 · Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects your liver. It causes inflammation in your liver tissues, which is what “ hepatitis ” means. It begins as an acute infection that’s usually short-lived. But in some people, it turns into a chronic infection that never goes away. Long-term inflammation does serious damage to your liver over time.
Mar 22, 2024 · How Common Is Hepatitis B? In the U.S. in 2020, experts estimate that about 14,000 people were diagnosed with acute hepatitis B. The average rate of new HBV infections is about 0.7 per 100,000 ...
