Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a virus that attacks the liver and, over time, can cause serious liver damage. You might even need a liver transplant in the case of severe liver damage.
The virus is spread through contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person. But you can’t get hepatitis B from kissing, sneezing, coughing or sharing food or drinks.
Hepatitis B can last a short time (acute hepatitis B) or can cause infection for a long time (chronic hepatitis B).
Babies and young children most often get chronic hepatitis B. A mom with hepatitis B can pass the virus to her baby during a vaginal delivery.
Hepatitis B symptoms
Most people with hepatitis B don’t know it, because often there aren’t any symptoms. Or you might have symptoms that make you think you have the flu when you really have hepatitis B. Symptoms can include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Mild fever
- Headache
- Joint pain
- Belly pain or bloating
- Nausea or vomiting
- Jaundice (yellowish eyes and skin)
- Dark urine
- Tan-colored bowel movements
Diagnosing Hepatitis B
Your doctor checks for hepatitis B using a simple blood test. Your doctor might also order a liver biopsy to check for liver damage.
Treating Hepatitis B
There are several medicines used to treat hepatitis B and slow its affect on the liver, but they may not be right for everyone. Your doctor can help you decide if medication is right for you.
Many times, hepatitis B goes away on its own, without treatment. You can relieve many symptoms just by taking good care of yourself:
- Get plenty of rest
- Eat healthy foods
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid alcohol and drugs
Preventing Hepatitis B
The hepatitis B vaccine is your best safeguard against getting the virus. The vaccine is very safe and appropriate for most babies, children, and adults, including pregnant women. There is also a combination vaccine called Twinrix that protects against both hepatitis B and hepatitis A.
You can also protect yourself and others by taking these steps:
- Use condoms to reduce your chance of getting or spreading hepatitis B.
- Remember, every time you have sex with a new partner, you’re being exposed to all the infections their partners may have.
- Wear protective gloves when touching blood or body fluids.
- Don’t share personal items, such as toothbrushes, razors, or needles.
- Don’t get a tattoo or body piercing, but if you do, make sure the needles have been sterilized.
Be responsible. Don’t have sex if you have symptoms or are being treated for hepatitis B.