Hepatitis B is a serious viral disease, and is responsible for an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 deaths each year in the United States due to liver damage (cirrhosis) and liver cancer. Most people who get the disease recover from it and can never get it again. However, about 10% of the people who get the disease will carry the virus for a long time and during this time can pass it on to others. Symptoms of hepatitis B infection include weakness, feeling ill, loss of appetite, fever, headaches, yellow skin and eyes (jaundice), dark urine, and pain in muscles, joints and the stomach. Long-term or chronic illness can lead to liver damage, liver cancer and death. Symptoms can begin as soon as six weeks or as long as 6 months after contact with the virus. Many people have mild symptoms and some do not notice symptoms at all.

Is hepatitis B dangerous?

Yes. Most adults (about 90%) who get it will get better within six months, but some will carry the virus for a long time (chronic carriers). Infants born to infected mothers often become chronic carriers. These carriers can develop chronic liver problems, which can lead to liver cancer, cirrhosis (liver failure), and death. Carriers have the virus in their body fluids and can infect their families, housemates, and sex partners. Each year in the United States, 80,000 people develop new hepatitis B infections, and as many as 11,000 of them are hospitalized.

How is hepatitis B spread?

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is spread by contact with the blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or certain other body fluids of an infected person. When these fluids enter a person's blood through mucous membranes (such as those in the mouth or sex organs) or breaks in the skin, the virus can also enter. The virus can be spread by having sex without a condom or by sharing needles (for shooting drugs, ear or body piercing, or tattooing) with an infected person. Health care workers who get stuck by used needles can get infected. Pregnant women who have the virus in their blood can pass it to their babies while giving birth. Sharing a toothbrush, razor, or anything else that might have blood on it can also spread the virus. HBV is 100 times more contagious than HIV. About 1 of every 3 people infected with the hepatitis B virus in the U.S. does not know where they got their infection.

Can it be treated?

Most people with hepatitis B get better without treatment. Some forms of chronic hepatitis B infection can be treated with a drug called interferon.

How can you prevent hepatitis B?

The best way to prevent hepatitis B is to avoid contact with the body fluids of infected people. This means using condoms when you have sex, wearing latex gloves if you handle body fluids such as blood, and never sharing a needle, toothbrush, razor or anything else that might have blood on it.

Protect your children by having them vaccinated with 3 doses of hepatitis B vaccine before they are 18 months old. All three doses are needed for full and lasting immunity. People who have not had the vaccine and become exposed to the virus should get a shot called HBIG, as well as the vaccine. HBIG will protect you right away, but it will only work for a few months. After three doses, hepatitis B vaccine protects most people for at least 15 years. Adolescents 11 to 15 years of age may need only two doses of hepatitis B vaccine, separated by 4-6 months. Ask your health care provider for details.