The Virus
Hepatitis B is the world’s most common liver infection
Hep B is a serious and potentially deadly liver infection, but treatments are available for some patients. It is caused by becoming infected with the hep B virus (HBV). It can cause serious liver problems like inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
In the US, chronic (long-term) hep B affects many people
- Approximately 257 million people are infected worldwide
- In 2015 alone, an estimated 887,000 people died due to complications from hep B, including cirrhosis and liver cancer
People born in areas shaded in red have a higher risk* of hep B infection
- Most foreign-born people in the US with chronic hepatitis B are from high-risk regions, including Asia and the Pacific Islands
- Hep B is most common in the Western Pacific region and Africa. Over 6% of the adults in these areas are infected
- Over 3% of the population in the Eastern Mediterranean Region is infected with hepatitis B
- In Southeast Asia, approximately 2% of the general population has hepatitis B
DON’T WAIT If you or your parents were born in a higher risk area, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting tested for hep B.
In the US, chronic hep B most commonly affects people from Asia, the Pacific Islands, and parts of Africa
Chronic Hep B
What happens if I get hep B?
When someone is first infected, it is called an ACUTE infection.
A person's body may fight off the infection.
However, if a person has had hepatitis B for more than 6 months, it’s called CHRONIC hepatitis B.
Hep B is sometimes called a “SILENT KILLER” because even if you don’t feel sick, the virus may be active and causing liver damage. However, chronic hep B can be managed.
Most people with chronic hep B have no symptoms and feel healthy. However:
- They can still infect others
- They may already have liver damage
It is important to talk to your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:
(yellowish eyes & skin)
symptoms
& vomiting
appetite
Dark urine
Effects on the Liver
The liver is the largest organ inside the body
- Processes what you eat and drink into energy and nutrients
- Fights off infection
- Removes harmful chemicals from your blood
- Makes substances that help digest food
Chronic hepatitis B can be slowly causing damage without your knowledge and may lead to:
- 15-25% of people with chronic hep B may develop serious liver problems, including cirrhosis or liver cancer
How the Virus Is Spread
How do you get hep B? The ONLY way to get the hepatitis B virus is from coming into contact with infected blood or bodily fluid.
If you were born in a high-risk area, one of the most common ways to get hep B is if your mother had hep B when you were born
By exchanging bodily fluids during sex
By sharing items such as razors, toothbrushes, or nail clippers
From infected blood after an injury, bite, or scratch
By sharing unsterilized needles (including tattoo or body piercing tools)
Touching
Kissing
Drinking alcohol
Food, water, or air
Casual contact (sneezing, touching doorknobs, toilet seats, etc.)
Sharing cups and utensils
