Hepatitis (viral) |
Hepatitis B Fact Sheet |
Posted on November 02, 2007 |
What is hepatitis B? How common is hepatitis B? How do people get hepatitis B?
· are a sex partner of someone who is infected with HBV · are sexually-active and are not in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship (e.g., you have had more than one sex partner in the previous 6 months) · have other STDs · are a man having sex with a man · HBV is spread by exposure to infected blood from skin puncture or contact with mucous membranes. You are at risk of HBV infection from these exposures if you: · live in the same house with someone who is infected with HBV and share personal items such as toothbrushes, razors, etc… · shoot drugs · have a job that involves contact with human blood or body fluids · have end stage kidney disease
HBV is spread from an infected mother to her infant during birth.
HBV is not spread through food or water, sharing eating utensils, breastfeeding, hugging, kissing, coughing, sneezing, or casual contact.
What are the signs and symptoms of hepatitis B?
If you have symptoms, they might include yellow skin or yellowing of the whites of your eyes (jaundice); tiredness; loss of appetite; nausea; abdominal discomfort; dark urine; grey-colored bowel movements; or joint pain.
What are the complications of hepatitis B?
How does hepatitis B affect a pregnant woman and her baby?
Infants born to infected mothers need to get hepatitis B vaccine and another shot call HBIG (hepatitis B immune globulin) soon after birth to prevent infection. How is hepatitis B diagnosed?
What is the treatment for hepatitis B?
How can hepatitis B be prevented? The surest way to avoid transmission of all sexually transmitted diseases is to abstain from sexual intercourse, or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected.
Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, may reduce the risk of HBV transmission. Never inject illegal drugs. If you are currently using, stop or get into a treatment program; if you can't stop, never share needles, syringes, water, or "works.”
Where can I get more information?
Information about all types of viral hepatitis can be found at CDC's Viral Hepatitis topic page. STD information and referrals to STD Clinics:
CDC National Prevention Information Network (NPIN)
American Social Health Association (ASHA) |