What is hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a virus (HBV) that causes inflammation of the liver. Also called “hep B,” the virus is passed from person to person through bodily fluids, such as blood or semen. The most common mode of transmission is from an infected mother to her baby at the time of birth. Knowing how it’s transmitted and when to seek medical care can help you get appropriate treatment, keep your loved ones healthy, and reduce your chances of long-term complications.
When the virus is self-limited, it’s called acute hepatitis B. Acute HBV typically lasts less than 6 months and needs no treatment other than careful monitoring of liver function. In the vast majority of patients, the infection never becomes chronic. However, if the virus lasts more than six months, you may develop a form of chronic hepatitis B. Chronic HBV can potentially lead to serious damage to the liver, including cirrhosis (liver scarring), liver cancer, or liver failure.
At MedStar Health, our liver experts specialize in diagnosing and treating viral hepatitis at any stage. And, we can keep you healthy through immunization, too. HBV is preventable with the hepatitis B vaccine, which is recommended after birth in the United States. Adults who were not vaccinated as a child can still choose to get the vaccine and protect themselves against hep B.
Hepatitis B
Watch the video below to learn more about viral hepatitis.
Symptoms
It’s possible to experience mild to severe symptoms with acute or chronic HBV—or none at all. Some people with the infection don’t experience any symptoms until they notice signs of liver disease.
Possible hepatitis B signs may include:
- Abdominal pain
- Joint pain
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Extreme tiredness
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and white part of the eyes)
- Dark-colored urine
Even if you don’t have any hepatitis B symptoms, you can still pass the virus to others. That’s why it's important to see a healthcare provider for more information if you think you’ve been exposed to the virus.
Hepatitis B causes and risk factors
Risk factors that increase your chances of contracting the virus include:
- Travel to or immigration from regions with high infection rates, such as Asia, the Pacific Islands, Africa, and Eastern Europe
- Sharing needles while using drugs injected into a vein
- Undergoing dialysis for end-stage renal disease
- Having unprotected sex with someone who's infected
- Living with someone who has a chronic hepatitis B infection
- Men who have sex with men
While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone over 16 would benefit from screening, anyone with a risk factor must be screened, even if they don’t have symptoms.
How is it spread?
HBV spreads through contact with blood and fluids from an infected person. Most commonly, this occurs when a mother who is carrying the virus passes it on to her baby. HBV can also be passed during sex or blood-to-blood contact.
Preventing hepatitis B
The HBV vaccine is the best way to prevent an infection. In the United States, vaccination is recommended for all infants after birth, as well as adults. HBV vaccination is especially important if you have risk factors.
The HBV immunization is given in two or three shots, depending on the vaccine used. To discuss your risk of HBV and questions about the vaccine, find a MedStar Health primary care provider near you.
Diagnosis
If you think you’ve been infected with HBV, your doctor will conduct a physical exam and ask you questions about your medical history, lifestyle, and symptoms. They may also recommend blood tests to diagnose or confirm hepatitis B, which can provide information on the type of infection you have and if it’s affecting your liver. Blood tests are the only way to know you have the virus.
Your provider may also order additional tests to evaluate any potential liver damage. These may include special imaging tests of your liver or a liver biopsy (tissue sample).
Treatment
If you think you’ve been exposed to the hep B virus, call your healthcare provider to find out what your next steps should be.
Acute hepatitis B
People with acute HBV don’t need treatment as the virus will likely go away on its own. If you have severe symptoms, your provider may offer supportive care such as pain relief or IV fluids.
They may also conduct tests to monitor your liver function.
Chronic hepatitis B
Some patients with chronic hepatitis B may be treated with antiviral medications. While it cannot be completely cured at present, these medications can reduce inflammation and infection and may lower your risk of developing liver cancer. You should not stop HBV treatments without talking to a healthcare professional.
Lifestyle changes can also help to limit additional damage to your liver. Your healthcare provider may recommend avoiding alcohol and taking medications that can harm the liver, as well as working to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
In cases when the infection severely damages the liver, people with advanced liver disease, liver cancer, or acute liver failure may be candidates for liver transplant.
Our providers
Location: Change location Enter your location
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Alyssa Bialek, PA
Gastroenterology
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Aaron Michael Fond, MD
Gastroenterology
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James H. Lewis, MD
Gastroenterology
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Sachin Mohan, MD
Gastroenterology
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Meggin A. Sabatino, DNP
Gastroenterology
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Nayan Rasiklal Shah, MD
Gastroenterology
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Konika Sharma, MD
Gastroenterology
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James Arthur Butler, MD
Gastroenterology
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Nissrin Mahmoud Ezmerli, MD
Gastroenterology
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Stephen David Humm, MD
Gastroenterology
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Marc Lyle Kozam, MD
Gastroenterology
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Roderick Burns Kreisberg, MD
Gastroenterology
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Robert Francis Musselman, MD
Gastroenterology
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Michael Scott Schindler, MBBS
Gastroenterology
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Zaifi Shanavas, MD
Gastroenterology
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Dabo Xu, MD
Gastroenterology
Frequently asked questions
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Why is it called hepatitis B?
“Hepatitis” means liver inflammation. A, B, C, D, and E are the most common variations of viruses that can infect your liver and cause hepatitis. Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus.
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How is HBV different from HIV?
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are both contagious diseases spread through sexual contact or contact with blood infected with the viruses. However, they impact different cells in the body. HBV affects cells in the liver, while HIV primarily affects immune cells. HBV is preventable with immunization. There is no vaccine to protect against HIV.
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What is the difference between acute and chronic hepatitis B?
An acute infection lasts less than six months. When the infection lasts longer than six months, it’s chronic hepatitis B. The younger an individual is when they become infected, the more likely they are to develop a chronic infection.
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What are the possible complications from hepatitis B?
Untreated, the virus can lead to serious health complications, including:
- Liver scarring (cirrhosis)
- Liver cancer
- Liver failure
Fortunately, available HBV medications can help to lower your risk of liver damage and related complications.