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Home » Articles >> Hepatitis B: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment |
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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
o Flu-like symptoms
o Yellowing of the skin (jaundice)
o Fatigue
o Nausea and vomiting
o Abdominal pain
o Loss of appetite
o Diarrhea
o Dark urine, light-colored stools
How a person contracts Hepatitis B virus:
o Unprotected sex with an infected partner
o Sharing needles or drug injection equipment with an infected person
o Sharing a razor or toothbrush with an infected person
o Occupational exposure to infected blood
o Being born to an infected mother
Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood and infected bodily fluids. This can occur through:
o Direct blood-to-blood contact
o Unprotected sex
o Unsterile needles
o Mother to child during childbirth
o 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. |
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