Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver that is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The infection causes inflammation in the liver, which can lead to damage and permanent loss of function. Hepatitis B can be spread through sexual intercourse, birth, sharing needles, toothbrushes, or razors, direct contact with blood of infected person, or needlesticks.

Hepatitis B can be acute and chronic. Acute hepatitis B usually occurs within the first 6 months of exposure and can be a mild illness with few or no symptoms to a serious condition requiring hospitalization . Chronic hepatitis B is a lifelong infection and can cause many serious health problems like cirrhosis, liver cancer, and death. 

Symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain
• Dark urine
• Fever
• Joint pain
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Weakness and fatigue
• Yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice)