Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a liver disease caused by a virus.
It spreads through blood, semen, or other body fluids, including when someone:
- Has sex with a person who has hepatitis B
- Shares drug needles with a person who has hepatitis B
- Shares a razor or toothbrush with a person who has hepatitis B
- Touches the blood or open sores of a person who has hepatitis B
Acute Hep B is short-lived.
Symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Upset stomach or vomiting
- Lack of appetite
- Dark urine or clay-colored feces
- Pain in the joints and stomach
- Jaundice
Chronic hepatitis B is a lifelong illness that can lead to serious — and possibly deadly — liver problems, including cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer, or liver failure.
You may be at risk for hepatitis B if you:
- Have diabetes
- Have sex or live with someone who has hepatitis B
- Have sex with more than 1 partner
- Have a sexually transmitted disease
- Are a man who has sex with men
- Use drugs with needles
- Could come into contact with blood at work
- Get hemodialysis treatment for kidney problems
- Travel to countries where hepatitis B is common
- Have hepatitis C
- Have a chronic liver disease
- Have HIV
- Are incarcerated
Hep B Vaccine
All adults should consider getting vaccinated for Hepatitis B. The vaccine is usually given in two or three doses. Trade names include: Engerix-B®, Recombivax HB®, Heplisav-B®. Department of Health and Human Services