Hepatitis B
What is hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B infection s a liver disease caused by
the hepatitis B virus. Symptoms may include fever, lack of energy, nausea,
vomiting, and abdominal pain followed by jaundice (yellow color to the skin
or whites of the eyes and dark urine). Some persons who have hepatitis B,
including younger children, have no symptoms. A small number of hepatitis B
infections are rapidly fatal. Although most infected persons recover
completely, some develop chronic infection, and can spread this infection.
Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and liver failure are serious risks with
this disease, but may take decades to develop.
How common is hepatitis B?
There are 50 to 100 newly diagnosed acute hepatitis
B cases in Washington each year and an estimated 20,000 persons chronically
infected.
How is it spread?
The virus is spread by blood, serum, or sexual
fluids of an infected person even if the person has no symptoms. This can
happen by sharing needles or having sex with somebody infected with
hepatitis B. Transmission can also occur for people living together for a
long time in the same household or institution. Infected women can pass the
virus to their babies. Donated blood is now tested to prevent spreading
hepatitis B but in the past some cases resulted from blood transfusion.
Medical personnel are at risk of exposure due to needle sticks.
How soon do symptoms appear?
Usually within 60 to 90 days of infection, but can
take as long as six months.
What is the treatment?
For acute hepatitis B infection: rest and avoiding
liver toxins including alcohol. For chronic hepatitis B infection: specific
antiviral drugs prescribed by a liver disease specialist. End stage liver
disease: liver transplantation.
How is hepatitis B infection prevented?
The best prevention is three vaccine doses for hepatitis B. For newborns
a dose is given at birth, one to two months later, and a final dose six
months after the first. Older children who missed the vaccine should receive
it. Adults should get the vaccine if they live with somebody who has
chronic hepatitis B, or if they are at risk due to sex with more than one
partner, drug use, blood contact on the job, hemodialysis, or chronic liver
disease including chronic hepatitis C infection. As general precautions, do
not share needles, blood testing devices, or syringes. Use barrier methods
like condoms when having sex with somebody who could have hepatitis B
infection.
How can infected persons prevent the spread of
hepatitis B?
If acute or chronic hepatitis B infection:
- Do not share any blood testing devices, needles, or drug equipment.
- Do not donate blood or organs.
- Do not share razors, toothbrushes, nail care devices, or any other
personal items that might have your blood on them.
- Use barrier methods when having sex.
- Let health care professionals who may be exposed to your blood know
that you have hepatitis B.
- If you are chronically infected, recommend that everybody in your
household be tested and vaccinated against hepatitis B.
- If you are chronically infected, recommend that any regular sexual
partner be tested and vaccinated for hepatitis B, and always use latex
condoms or barriers for any unvaccinated partners.
- Cover cuts or open sores on your skin.
- Infected mothers should make sure their babies receive hepatitis B
immunoglobulin and three doses of hepatitis B vaccine.
- Screen during pregnancy to identify infection.
What should I do if I suspect someone in my family
has hepatitis B?
Contact your primary health care provider or call
your local health department.
Where can I get more information?
For more information call:
Communicable Disease Epidemiology (206) 418-5500
[toll free (877) 539-4344]
http://www.doh.wa.gov/notify/nc/hepb.htm
or
Immunization Program (360) 236-3595
http://www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/Immunize/diseases/hepatitis_a/default.htm
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