What is hepatitis B?
-
Hepatitis B (HBV) is a viral infection that can cause acute or chronic inflammation of the liver. It is one of five hepatitis viruses that affect the liver. Hepatitis B is contagious and can be spread through infected bodily fluids, including semen, saliva, vaginal fluids, and blood. Most cases of hepatitis B are short-lived (acute) with symptoms subsiding within a few weeks. However, with or without symptoms, people with hepatitis B are at risk for developing chronic liver inflammation, which can lead to more severe cases of liver disease. There is no cure for hepatitis B. A hepatitis B vaccine is available to prevent viral infection.
Hepatitis B (HBV) is a viral infection that can cause acute or chronic inflammation of the liver. It is one of five hepatitis viruses that affect the liver. Hepatitis B is contagious and can be spread through infected bodily fluids, including semen,... More -
Johns Hopkins Medicine answered:Hepatitis B is a specific form of hepatitis (a virus that inflames the liver). Known as HBV (hepatitis B virus), it is the ninth leading cause of death worldwide. In the United States, there are an estimated 1.2 million chronic carriers (people who live with HBV on an ongoing basis). This group accounts for roughly 17,000 hospitalizations and 5,500 deaths each year.
In the U.S., hepatitis B is usually transmitted through multiple sexual partners, unsanitary household practices and using dirty needles. The latter involves drug use, tattoos or body piercing. Sometimes health personnel are at risk after coming in contact with needles from infected patients.
Hepatitis B is a specific form of hepatitis (a virus that inflames the liver). Known as HBV (hepatitis B virus), it is the ninth leading cause of death worldwide. In the United States, there are an estimated 1.2 million chronic carriers (people... More -
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital answered:Viral hepatitis encompasses five known viruses, hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a serious disease caused by a virus that affects the liver, which may cause lifelong infection, cirrhosis (scarring and dysfunction of the liver), liver cancer, liver failure, and death.
About 1.4 million Americans have chronic hepatitis B infection, and about 350 million individuals worldwide have this disease. In the US, the rate of new cases of hepatitis B has declined steeply, by about 80%, since the early 1990s when a national strategy to eliminate this infection was introduced in the US. However, since many HBV infections are asymptomatic or not reported, the numbers of those infected are estimated to be higher.
The risk for chronic hepatitis B is related largely to when the person becomes infected. About 90% of infants and 30% of children younger than 5 years old who become infected with hepatitis B will stay chronically infected. In contrast, about 95% of those infected as adults will completely recover and not become chronically ill.Viral hepatitis encompasses five known viruses, hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a serious disease caused by a virus that affects the liver, which may cause lifelong infection, cirrhosis (scarring and dysfunction of the... More -
Brigham and Women's Hospital answered:Hepatitis B is a serious liver disease that is spread through contact with the blood of someone who has the virus. Most people who get the virus feel better in a few months; however, some people who get hepatitis B carry the virus all their lives. Some people who contract the virus feel tired and look sick, with yellow skin or eyes, while others show no symptoms. Most women are tested for hepatitis B during pregnancy. Babies and young children who become infected are at high risk for chronic infection and serious liver disease later in life, which is why it is important to protect babies with a vaccine before they have contact with the virus.Hepatitis B is a serious liver disease that is spread through contact with the blood of someone who has the virus. Most people who get the virus feel better in a few months; however, some people who get hepatitis B carry the virus all their... More -
Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and can be transmitted through blood contact. Chronic hepatitis B can lead to cirrhosis (deterioration of the liver where scar tissue replaces healthy tissue and impedes blood-flow through the liver) and also liver cancer.Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and can be transmitted through blood contact. Chronic hepatitis B can lead to cirrhosis (deterioration of the liver where scar tissue replaces healthy tissue and impedes blood-flow through the... More -
Riverside Health System answered: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. You get hepatitis B by direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person; for instance, you can become infected by having sex or sharing needles with an infected person. A baby can get hepatitis B from an infected mother during childbirth.
This answer is based on source information from the National Women's Health Information Center.
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. You get hepatitis B by direct... More -
Robert Brown of Columbia University Department of Surgery answered:The hepatitis B virus lives in the liver and is present in most body fluids, so it can be passed sexually or through blood to blood contact (mother to child, say). Learn more about hepatitis B by watching this video featuring liver transplant surgeon Dr. Robert Brown.
The hepatitis B virus lives in the liver and is present in most body fluids, so it can be passed sexually or through blood to blood contact (mother to child, say). Learn more about hepatitis B by watching this video featuring liver... More -
Greenville Health System answered: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. You get hepatitis B by direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person; for instance, you can become infected by having sex or sharing needles with an infected person. A baby can get hepatitis B from an infected mother during childbirth.
The contents of this website are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nor does the contents of this website constitute the establishment of a physician patient or therapeutic relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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. You get hepatitis... More -
Healthwise answered:Hepatitis B is a virus that infects the liver. Most adults who get it have it for a short time and then get better. But sometimes the virus causes a long-term infection, called chronic hepatitis B. Over time, this can lead to liver damage or liver cancer.
The virus spreads through the blood of an infected person or through sexual contact with an infected person.
Hepatitis B is a virus that infects the liver. Most adults who get it have it for a short time and then get better. But sometimes the virus causes a long-term infection, called chronic hepatitis B. Over time, this can lead to liver damage or liver... More
