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What is Hepatitis B? Hepatitis B is a serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the liver. The virus, which is called hepatitis B virus (HBV), can cause lifelong infection, cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver cancer, liver failure, and death. Hepatitis B vaccine is available for all age groups to prevent hepatitis B virus infection. What are the Symptoms of Hepatitis B? About 30% of persons have no signs or symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms of hepatitis B are: jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, joint pain, dark-colored urine, yellowish tinged skin and eyes. What
Causes Hepatitis B? How is Hepatitis B Transmitted? Transmission of Hepatitis B occurs when blood or body fluids from an infected person enters the body of a person who is not immune. It is most often spread by having sex with an infected person without using a condom, sharing needles or "works" when "shooting" drugs, through needlesticks or sharps exposures on the job, or from an infected mother to her baby during birth. Risks of Developing Hepatitis B Some of the risks for developing Hepatitis B are: having multiple sex partners or diagnosis of a sexually transmitted disease, men who have sex with men, Sex contacts of infected persons, Injection drug use, household contacts of chronically infected persons. Can Hepatitis B be Prevented? Yes. The best prevention is the Hepatitis B vaccine. Can Hepatitis B be Treated? Hepatitis B can be treated . Treatment will depend on the severity of the infection. Discuss your options with your doctor.
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