What is hepatitis B?
Hepatitis
B is an infection in the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus.
It is the most common contagious liver disease and is 100 times
more contagious than HIV. Though not commonly thought of as a sexually
transmitted infection (STI), hepatitis B is often spread through
sexual activity.
Is it common?
The incidence
of hepatitis B is highest in the 20 to 29-year-old age group. In
the US, 300,000 people get this infection each year and about 1
million people who have been exposed to hepatitis B carry the virus
in their bodies.
How is it transmitted?
Hepatitis
B is transmitted by direct contact with the blood or body fluids
of an infected person. This includes semen, vaginal secretions,
saliva, sweat, and urine. Transmission may occur through:
Vaginal,
oral or anal sex
Kissing
that involves an exchange of saliva, especially if there are small
cuts inside the tongue or mouth
Exposure
to blood through cuts, open sores, or mucous membranes
Sharing
a razor, nail clippers, toothbrush, or pierced earrings of an
infected person
Sharing
needles or syringes
From
an infected mother to her baby during childbirth.
What are the symptoms?
The most
common symptoms include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Lack
of appetite
Dark-colored
urine
Light-colored
stools
Yellowing
of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice)
Low-grade
fever
Extreme
fatigue
About
50% of people infected with hepatitis B do not know they are infected
and can pass the virus on to others. 10% of people infected with
hepatitis B become carriers of the virus. A carrier has the virus
in their body the rest of their lives and can transmit the virus
to other sexual partners, but doesn't necessarily develop any further
health complications.
How soon after exposure to hepatitis will
symptoms appear?
Symptoms
usually occur within 2 to 6 weeks but may occur 1 to 6 months after
exposure to the virus.
How is it diagnosed?
Hepatitis
B is diagnosed by a blood test. You can make an appointment to be
tested at Health Services or you can contact another testing site
in Providence. Clickhere
to see a listing of local STI test sites. If you choose to get tested
at Health Services, you can ask your medical provider about testing
costs and when you can expect your results back during your appointment.
How is it treated?
There
is no specific treatment for hepatitis B. Rest and a diet high in
protein and carbohydrates help the liver repair itself. Most hepatitis
cases are acute, and the infection lasts from 1 to 6 months, during
which time the person is continually infectious. During this period
of infection, alcohol and medications metabolized by the liver must
be avoided and sexual activity is not recommended in order to prevent
transmission to partner(s). And although 90% to 95% of adults with
hepatitis B recover completely, 5% to 10% develop chronic cases
of hepatitis B. This means that the infected person continues to
be highly contagious. Alpha interferon and lamivudine are two drugs
licensed for the treatment of persons with chronic hepatitis B.
These drugs are effective in up to 40% of patients, however, approximately
15 to 25% of chronic cases develop severe liver disease and death.
Caregivers
must also protect themselves from direct, ungloved contact with
blood and other body fluids of infected individuals. If your sex
partner or a member of your household is found to have hepatitis
B, you should consult your medical provider to be vaccinated.
Can it be prevented?
Hepatitis
B can be prevented by a vaccine. The Centers
for Disease Control (CDC) now recommends vaccination for all newborns
in order to prevent hepatitis B infection later in life. The vaccine
is also recommended for medical providers and anyone that is in
close contact with infected individuals. The vaccine consists of
three shots given at 0, 1, and 6 months. The vaccine is highly effective
and should be strongly considered. You can receive the vaccine series
at Health Services and it will cost $60 an injection. Check with
your medical provider to find out if you should be vaccinated.
Can hepatitis B infections be dangerous?
Hepatitis
B is a serious condition that can cause lifelong infection, cirrhosis
(scarring) of the liver, liver cancer, liver failure, and death.
Links you can use:
For more
information about hepatitis B, you can visit the Planned Parenthood
site at:
