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Hepatitis B is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Fortunately, most people who become infected with HBV are able to clear the virus from their bloodstream and develop immunity. People who have not cleared their virus after six months are considered to have chronic hepatitis B — a condition that often requires treatment to prevent further damage to the liver. Left untreated, chronic hepatitis B can lead to cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), liver cancer, liver failure and death.
Hepatitis B is different than hepatitis A or C. Hepatitis A is an acute (short-term) infection spread through feces or contaminated water or food. Effective vaccines are available for long-term prevention of the hepatitis A virus in people at least one year old. Hepatitis C is spread through infected blood and body fluids (predominantly through injection drug use). There is no vaccine and approximately 85% of those infected will develop a chronic condition.
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- It is estimated that 1.25 million people have chronic hepatitis B in the United States
- As many as 1 out of 10 Asian Americans has chronic hepatitis B
- There is a vaccine that can prevent hepatitis B
- 15 to 25 percent of people chronically infected with hepatitis B will eventually die from liver disease without treatment
- Worldwide, chronic hepatitis B causes 80% of liver cancer and ranks right behind HIV as the tenth leading cause of death
- Hepatitis B is 50 to 100 times more contagious than HIV (the virus that causes AIDS)
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HBV is an extremely strong virus that can live outside the body for a week or longer. It can be found in the blood, semen and vaginal secretions of infected people, and low concentrations can be found in saliva. HBV can be transmitted through:
- Direct blood-to-blood contact
- Unprotected sex
- Unsterile needles
- From an infected mother to her baby during childbirth
- From tattooing, body piercing or acupuncture with infected needles
- Shaving razors, toothbrushes, earrings or other personal items that may come in contact with blood
HBV is not transmitted casually and cannot be spread through sneezing, coughing, hugging or food or water.
To find out if you're at risk for hepatitis B, click here.
Patients should be aware of
Important Safety Information about Hepsera and may read additional
patient information.
It is important that you discuss your
treatment options and any questions that you may have with your healthcare
provider. |