Hepatitis B is a viral liver infection transmitted through blood, sexual contact, or from mother to baby. A vaccine prevents it. Chronic infection is manageable with antivirals.

What Is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver. It can be acute (short-term) or chronic (lifelong).

Transmission

Blood contact
Sexual contact
Mother to baby at birth
Sharing needles

Symptoms

Many have no symptoms
When present: fatigue, jaundice (yellowing), dark urine, abdominal pain, nausea

Acute vs Chronic

Adults: 95% clear the virus spontaneously
Infants: 90% develop chronic infection
Chronic infection can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer

Prevention

Hepatitis B vaccine — safe and effective (3 doses)
Given to all newborns in the U.S.

Treatment

Antivirals (tenofovir, entecavir) for chronic infection
Regular liver monitoring

Source: CDC, American Sexual Health Association.

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