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Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus. It can be spread during vaginal, anal and oral sex with someone who is infected, by sharing needles or by contact with infected blood. It can also be spread from a pregnant mother to her baby.

It cannot be spread from casual contact such as hugging or shaking hands. Coming into contact with the sweat or tears of someone with Hepatitis B will not put you at risk. You also cannot get Hepatitis B from donating blood.

Symptoms

Symptoms show up 1 to 9 months after contact with the Hepatitis B virus. Many individuals have no or mild symptoms. However, symptoms may include:

  • Flu-like feelings that don't go away (such as loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting).
  • Tiredness.
  • Joint pain.
  • Jaundice (yellowed skin).
  • Dark urine, light-colored bowel movements.
  • Abdominal pain, especially around your liver (located on the upper right side of your abdomen, just beneath your lower ribs).

Diagnosis & Treatment

A blood test can confirm if you are infected with Hepatitis B. Usually, Hepatitis B will go away on its own, but you should verify with your doctor that the infection is completely gone.

What happens if you go untreated?

You can give Hepatitis B to your sexual partner(s) or someone you share needles with. If you go untreated, your symptoms may go away but you can still give Hepatitis B to others, including unborn children. Hepatitis B can cause permanent liver damage.

More Information

MedlinePlus: Hepatitis B

CDC-STDs-Hepatitis

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