Hepatitis B- Sexually Transmitted Infection- Infects the liver and causes inflammation- About 1/3 people in the world have

Hepatitis B- Can lead to sickness or death- There is a vaccination preventing it

Signs and Symptoms begins with general sickness, loss of

appetite, nausea, vomiting, body aches, mild fever, and dark urine

The illness lasts for a few weeks then gradually improves

In some cases, it can cause to liver failure which can lead to death

Liver cancer

Transmission Exposure to infectious blood or body fluids

containing blood Possible forms: sexual contact, blood

transfusion, and reuse of contaminated needles and syringes

Mothers can pass it to their children during childbirth

Diagnosis The test involves getting a blood test The test detects either viral antigens

(proteins produced by the virus) or antibodies

Can get tested at almost any doctor’s office

Prevention Several vaccine’s have been developed to

prevent Hep B Provides 85-90% of protection in most

individuals Infants can be vaccinated at birth Don’t have unprotected sex!

Treatment Treatment is not always vital as a small

case will usually not lead to anything. There is treatment for chronic hepatitis to

prevent liver cancer and cirrhosis Babies born to mothers carrying hepatitis B

can be treated with antibodies to the virus. When given the vaccine within 12 hours of birth, the risk of getting Hep B is reduced 90%