Hepatitis B

What causes Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus. The virus is passed from one person to another through body fluids, such as blood, semen, and vaginal secretions.Common causes of transmission include:

• mother to child during childbirth
• sexual contact
• sharing needles among intravenous drug users
• sharing razors or toothbrushes

What are the symptoms of Hepatitis B?

Many people with acute hepatitis B and most people with chronic hepatitis B have no symptoms. Symptoms are often mild and may include:

• fatigue
• fever
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• headache
• muscle soreness
• pain near liver
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)

How long does Hepatitis B last?

In over 90 percent of cases, hepatitis B patients recover on their own within six (6) months with no lasting effects. This form is called acute hepatitis B. Those who are unable to clear the virus from their bodies have long-term or chronic hepatitis B. Chronic hepatitis B can lead to serious complications including fibrosis, cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer.

How is Hepatitis B diagnosed?

A blood test is used to diagnose hepatitis B. Many people never know they have been affected with the hepatitis B virus due to a lack of symptoms and inability to detect the virus in routine blood tests. Many people find out they have the disease after volunteering to donate blood. All blood donation centers test for current or past hepatitis B infection. Anyone who has ever been infected with the virus is rejected.

What is the treatment for Fatty Liver Disease?

Currently there are no medications approved for NAFLD, though some are in clinical trials. For those with cirrhosis or liver failure, a liver transplant may be necessary.Lifestyle changes can help improve or prevent fatty liver disease:

• Lose weight – 3%-5% loss can cut down on fat accumulation in the liver
• Drink in moderation or quit drinking
• Exercise – 30 minutes a day most days of the week
• Liver care – skip alcohol, take medications and over-the-counter drugs as directed, be mindful of herbal remedies and speak with physician, check prior to mixing alcohol and medications
• Lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels
• Manage diabetes
• Prevent Hepatitis C
• Maintain good nutrition

How can Hepatitis B be prevented?

Vaccination is the best way to prevent hepatitis B. This vaccination is given in three (3) doses; the first two are given a month apart with the final dose six months later. Vaccination is recommended for the following:

• all newborns, infants, children and teenagers
• health care and emergency workers
• hemodialysis patients
• patients with chronic liver disease
• military personnel
• morticians and embalmers
• patients and staff at institutions for developmentally challenged
• prison inmates
• people with multiple sexual partners
• men who have sex with men
• injection drug users
• sexual partners and household members of people with hepatitis B
• international travelers who will be in close contact with people from countries with a high rate of hepatitis B
• members of ethnic or racial groups with a high rate of hepatitis B (Asian Americans, African Americans, Latino Americans, Native Americans, Alaskan Natives)