Hepatitis B
“Hepatitis” means inflammation of the liver. The liver is a vital organ that processes nutrients, filters the blood, and fights infections. When the liver is inflamed or damaged, its function can be affected. Heavy alcohol use, toxins, some medications, and certain medical conditions can cause hepatitis.
Hepatitis is most often caused by a virus. In the United States, the most common types of viral hepatitis are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C.
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes acute and chronic liver disease and is endemic in many areas of the world. The virus is transmitted through contact with blood or other body fluids from an infected person.
- When transmission occurs vertically (from mother to child) or horizontally to small children (during play, from household contacts etc), the infection usually becomes chronic.
- By contrast, when transmission occurs in adolescents/adults—usually via sexual contact, contaminated needles (“sharps”), and less often from transfusion of blood products—the infection usually resolves unless the individual is immunocompromised (e.g., infected with human immunodeficiency virus).
- Education about how to avoid risky behavior plays an important role in HBV prevention.
- HBV is an important occupational hazard for healthcare workers.
- A safe and effective vaccine for HBV has been available since 1982 and is 95% effective at preventing new infections
Download the Hepatitis B PDF using the link given below.
