Hepatitis B

What Is Hepatitis B

Visit the Staying Hep B Free and Prevention slideshow

Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver that causes severe inflammation and liver damage. The virus that causes hepatitis B, HBV, is extremely contagious – in fact, it is 50-100 times more contagious than the AIDS virus – and is transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids.

In some cases of hepatitis B infection, the body is able to clear the infection and make a full recovery. This is known as acute hepatitis B. In other cases, the virus remains in the body and continues to cause damage to the liver. This is known as chronic hepatitis B.

The Word Health Organization estimates that 240 million people world wide who are chronically infected with hepatitis B.  In the US, it is estimated that nearly 20,000 new cases of Hepatitis B occurred in 2011.

What Causes Hepatitis B

Risk Factors For Hepatitis B

Diagnosing Hepatitis B

Symptoms of Hepatitis B

Prognosis

Living With Hepatitis B

Screening

Prevention

Medication And Treatment

Complementary and Alternative Treatment

When To Contact A Doctor

Questions For A Doctor