What causes hepatitis B?
-
Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) which infects the liver causing it to become inflamed. Hepatitis B infection can be contracted through body fluids (semen, vaginal secretions) and blood infected with the hepatitis B virus. Common causes of hepatitis B infections include:
- sexual contact with infected fluids and blood
- passed from infected mother to child during birth
- sharing needles, razors, or toothbrushes with someone who's infected
- accidental pricks with needles or other instruments tainted with infected blood
HBV cannot be contracted from being coughed or sneezed on, sharing food or eating utensils, kissing, hugging, or breastfeeding.
Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) which infects the liver causing it to become inflamed. Hepatitis B infection can be contracted through body fluids (semen, vaginal secretions) and blood infected with the hepatitis B virus. Common... More -
Hepatitis B is a virus that can affect the liver. Hepatitis B (HBV) is the most common serious liver infection in the world. Worldwide, about 350 million people are chronic carriers of HBV, of whom, more than 620,000 die from liver-related disease each year. In the United States, hepatitis B is largely a disease of young adults aged 20-50 years. About 800,000 to 1.4 million Americans are chronic hepatitis B virus carriers, and the disease causes about 3,000 deaths each year.
Hepatitis B is transmitted from one person to another via blood or fluids contaminated with blood. Another important route of transmission is from an infected mother to a newborn child, which occurs during or shortly after birth. Transmission can occur via sharing dirty needles, accidental needle sticks, sexual contacts or blood transfusions.
Hepatitis B is a virus that can affect the liver. Hepatitis B (HBV) is the most common serious liver infection in the world. Worldwide, about 350 million people are chronic carriers of HBV, of whom, more than 620,000 die from liver-related disease... More
