Hepatitis B is the most common serious liver infection in the world. It is caused by the
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) that attacks
liver cells and can lead to liver failure, cirrhosis (scarring) or cancer of the liver. The virus is transmitted through contact with blood and bodily fluids that contain blood. Most people are able to fight off an
hepatitis B infection and clear the virus from their blood. This may take up to six months. While the virus is present in their blood,
infected people can pass the virus on to others.
Hepatitis B is most efficiently transmitted through blood and infected bodily fluids. This can occur through direct blood-to-blood contact, unprotected sex, illicit drug use, and from an infected woman to her newborn during the delivery process.
Hepatitis B can be spread by unprotected sex, sharing IV drug needles, living in a household with an infected person, an infected mother to her newborn child at birth, sharing earrings, razors, or toothbrushes with an infected person, unsterilized needles, including tattoo or piercing needles, human bites.
Hepatitis B is not spread by kissing on the cheek or lips, coughing or sneezing, casual contact such as hugging or holding hands, eating food prepared by an infected individual.
Hepatitis B can be prevented, by ask your doctor about the safe and effective vaccine and protect yourself and your loved ones for a lifetime. The CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that all infants, children and adolescents up to age 18 receive the HBV vaccine. The vaccine is also recommended for all adults who may be at high risk for infection. The cost for the vaccine varies in the US, but most insurance plans cover infants and children to 18 years of age. Some people can receive the vaccine free of charge from their local public health clinic. High-risk adults may also be covered by their health insurance or can receive the vaccine through an STD or family planning clinic.