Hepatitis B is a serious viral disease that harms the liver. The virus spreads from person to person when their bodily fluids touch. There are several vaccines that offer excellent protection from Hepatitis B.

Learn about our vaccine requirement for Hepatitis B.

Symptoms

  • Weakness and fatigue
  • Mild fever
  • Joint pain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Gray or tan-colored bowel movements (stools)
  • Dark urine
  • Yellowish eyes and skin (jaundice)

Treatment

Hepatitis B is diagnosed with a blood test. The majority of hepatitis B infections are acute and clear up within 6 months. There is no treatment for acute hepatitis B, but symptoms can be alleviated by practicing healthy behaviors such as getting plenty of rest, water, and proper nutrition, and avoiding alcohol and other drugs.

Chronic hepatitis B is often without symptoms, and occurs in about 5% of those infected with acute hepatitis B. Chronic hepatitis B infections can be complicated to manage, and care is usually referred to a liver or infectious disease specialist.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you know you’ve been exposed to hepatitis B and you have not been immunized, contact your healthcare provider immediately. If you receive preventative treatment within 24 hours of exposure, your risk of infection may be reduced. If you experience the above symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.

Causes & Prevention

Causes

  • Vaginal, oral, or anal sex (exposure to the sexual fluids of an infected person)
  • Sharing intravenous drug needles
  • Sharing personal items that may contain blood such as razors or toothbrushes
  • Getting tattoos or piercings using equipment that has not been sterilized
  • Birth (passed from mother to child during delivery)
  • Accidental needle stick

Prevention

  • Get vaccinated. Vaccination is the best prevention. In the United States, most people are immunized as infants.
  • Use condoms and/or dental dams during sexual intercourse
  • Avoid sharing needles and personal items with an infected person
  • Wear gloves if you are a healthcare worker who handles blood

Prevention

  • Vaccination is the best prevention. In the United States, most people are immunized as infants.
  • Use condoms and/or dental dams during sexual intercourse
  • Avoid sharing needles and personal items with an infected person
  • Wear gloves if you are a healthcare worker who handles blood
Appointment options for healthcare & counseling services. If you are experiencing a medical emergency dial 911 or call RUPD at 848-932-7211