Hepatitis B - Things you need to know

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a DNA virus belonging to the Hepadnaviridae family of viruses. Hepatitis B virus is not related to the hepatitis A virus or the hepatitis C virus.

It can cause both acute and chronic infections. Many people have no symptoms during the initial infection. Some develop a rapid onset of sickness with vomiting, yellowish skin, tiredness, dark urine and abdominal pain. Often these symptoms last a few weeks and rarely does the initial infection result in death. 

The virus is transmitted by exposure to infectious blood, body fluids or semen, (for example, through shared needles used for illicit use). Infection around the time of birth or from contact with other people's blood during childhood is the most frequent method by which hepatitis B is acquired in areas where the disease is common. In areas where the disease is rare, intravenous drug use and sexual intercourse are the most frequent routes of infection. Other risk factors include blood transfusions, dialysis, living with an infected person, travel in countries where the infection rate is high, and living in an institution. 

The hepatitis B viruses cannot be spread by holding hands, sharing eating utensils, kissing, hugging, coughing, sneezing, or breastfeeding. The infection can be diagnosed 30 to 60 days after exposure. Diagnosis is typically by testing the blood for parts of the virus and for antibodies against the virus. Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is one of five known hepatitis viruses: A, B, C, D, and E. 

Some people with hepatitis B never clear the virus and are chronically infected. Many of these people appear healthy but can spread the virus to others. Injury to the liver by hepatitis B virus is caused by the body's immune response as the body attempts to eliminate the virus.

Hepatitis B is best preventable through vaccination. All children should receive the vaccine. In addition, adults at high risk for hepatitis B should be vaccinated. Unvaccinated people who are exposed to hepatitis B should be evaluated by a physician to determine if they need specific immune globulin (HBIG).