• Infections

Hepatitis B: What Do I Need to Know?

Medically reviewed and edited by Dr. Asunta Moduthagam

What is Hepatitis B?

The term hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver that can be caused by several factors including drugs, alcohol, gallstones, autoimmune disease, and more. Hepatitis B, however, is an infectious liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV).

The virus can be spread through blood, but hepatitis B is chiefly transmitted via sexual contact in the U.S.

Young people who contract hepatitis B are more prone to developing chronic hepatitis B, which requires ongoing treatment and can lead to complications.

Acute hepatitis B vs. chronic hepatitis B

Individuals with hepatitis B are said to either have a chronic hepatitis B infection or an acute hepatitis B infection.

The moment someone is infected, this form of the virus is regarded as an acute — or new — infection. Most adults recover relatively quickly from acute hepatitis B. However, if the virus takes longer than six months to clear up, it is considered a chronic infection.

As many as nine out of 10 infants who are exposed to hepatitis B will develop the chronic condition, while one in three children who contract the virus before age six will be infected with chronic hepatitis B.

According to the Hepatitis B Foundation, chronic infections are rare among adults and only between five and 10 percent do not make a full recovery from hepatitis B.

Is Hepatitis B a Serious Condition?

Hepatitis B is a potentially fatal condition with no known cure. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 820,000 people died from hepatitis B complications in 2019.

If chronic hepatitis B develops, the infection may lead to serious liver damage in the form of cirrhosis, liver failure, and even cancer.

Hepatitis B is 50-100 times more infectious than HIV and can be transmitted in similar ways.

What are the Symptoms of Hepatitis B?

Nearly 60% of people with hepatitis B infections won’t know they have the virus until they develop cirrhosis or severe liver disease.

If symptoms do occur, they typically include one or more of the following, though none of these symptoms are exclusive to hepatitis B:

• Flu-like symptoms

• Jaundice (yellow eyes and skin)

• Abdominal pain

• Fluid retention and swelling of the whole body (called ascites)

• Itching, dark urine, or pale stools (usually all of these at the same time)

• Confusion

What are the Risk Factors for Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B can spread to anyone via saliva, semen, vaginal fluids, and blood. Therefore, many of the risk factors overlap with those of other sexually transmitted infections.

Some risk factors include:

• Multiple sexual partners

• Unprotected sexual contact

• Intravenous drug use

• Being a healthcare worker

• Men in same-sex sexual relationships

• Sharing contaminated objects — like razors or toothbrushes — with others

How Can I Prevent Hepatitis B?

The hepatitis B vaccine is considered one of the safest and most effective ways to prevent infection. Over 1 billion doses have been administered worldwide and there’s no evidence that the vaccine causes severe side effects, like autism or sudden infant deaths (SIDs).

Hepatitis B is currently on the United States Immunization Schedule for children, with the first dose administered at birth.

Some other preventive measures include:

• Using post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) when exposed to the virus

• Using personal protective equipment (PPE)

• Avoiding sharing hypodermic needles

• Practicing safe sex

How is Hepatitis B Treated?

Antiviral medications are often used to treat Hepatitis B, such as:

Lamivudine (3TC), tenofovir (TDF), and entacavir (ETV) — these can be used in HIV treatment, too. Interferons (chemicals made by the immune system to fight infections)

Managing complications such as liver damage, cirrhosis, liver failure, and cancer may also be required, depending on the stage of the disease.

Severe liver failure may be treated with a liver transplant, but will generally result in the new liver being infected, too.

Where Can I Learn More About Treatments for Hepatitis B?

Do you have concerns about hepatitis B? A doctor at LifeMD can help. Simply visit our site to schedule an appointment today.

Dr. Asunta Moduthagam

Dr. Moduthagam has been a family medicine physician since 2011. She loves working with patients to help them reach an optimal state of well-being. She’s dedicated to thoughtful, compassionate care and is committed to being her patients’ best advocate.

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