Hepatitis B: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment
Prevalence and Cause of Hepatitis B
According to researchers approximately 200,000 new hepatitis B infections occur in the U.S. each year. Hepatitis B is a sexually transmitted liver disease caused by the Hepatitis B virus which belongs to the Hepadnaviridae family of viruses. Most adults fight off infection with the hepatitis B virus, but Hepatitis B becomes chronic in 10% of cases. Related viruses in this family cause hepatitis in ducks, ground squirrels and woodchucks.
Common symptoms
- Flu-like symptoms
- Yellowing of the skin (jaundice)
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Dark urine, light-colored stools
How a person contracts Hepatitis B virus:
- Unprotected sex with an infected partner
- Sharing needles or drug injection equipment with an infected person
- Sharing a razor or toothbrush with an infected person
- Occupational exposure to infected blood
- Being born to an infected mother
Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood and infected bodily fluids. This can occur through:
- Direct blood-to-blood contact
- Unprotected sex
- Unsterile needles
- Mother to child during childbirth
- Sharing sharp instruments such as razors, toothbrushes or earrings, body piercing, tattooing and acupuncture if sterile needles are not used.
Hepatitis B is NOT transmitted casually. It cannot be spread through sneezing, coughing, hugging or eating food prepared by someone who is infected with hepatitis B. Anyone can be at some risk for a Hepatitis B infection, but some groups are at higher risk because of their occupation or life choices.
