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