Hepatitis B

(hep-ah-TIE-tis)

Hepatitis B is an infection in the liver caused by the Hepatitis B virus. Although HBV can be prevented with a vaccination, about 78,000 Americans get HBV because they have not been vaccinated.

Although 90-95% of adults with HBV recover completely, about 5-10% of people who get HBV as adults will be carriers and will have chronic infection with HBV which can result in severe liver disease and death. Pregnant women who have been exposed to HBV should be tested before giving birth so that their babies can be vaccinated at birth or treated if they become ill.

Common Symptoms:

• Feeling very tired.
• Headache or mild fever.
• Hives.
• Lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting.
• Tenderness in the lower abdomen.
• Dark urine, pale colored stool.
• Yellowing of the skin and white of the eye.
• Most people with chronic hepatitis B have no symptoms.

Testing and Treatment: Testing and treatment services for the Hepatitis B virus are not available at PPWP health center sites.

Testing: A simple blood test can identify the hepatitis B virus.

Treatment: There is no medical cure, but symptoms can be treated. Most people recover within 6-8 weeks. Treatment within 2 weeks of exposure can prevent or lessen infection.

A vaccine is available for preventing HBV.

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