About Hepatitis B

Name of the medical condition and other names that it’s been known by

• Hepatitis B

• HBV (Hepatitis B Virus)

• Serum Hepatitis

• Type B Hepatitis

What is Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause both short-term (acute) and long-term (chronic) illness. The virus spreads through contact with infected blood, semen, and other body fluids. It can be passed from a mother to her baby during childbirth. When someone first gets infected, they may have no symptoms or feel sick for a few weeks to a few months. This is called Acute Hepatitis B.

Symptoms of Acute Infection

• Feeling very tired

• Fever

• Stomach pain

• Loss of appetite

• Nausea and vomiting

• Yellow skin and eyes (jaundice)

• Dark urine

Chronic Hepatitis B

Most adults recover completely and become immune. However, if the infection lasts for more than six months, it is called Chronic Hepatitis B. This is a serious condition that can slowly damage the liver over many years, potentially leading to scarring (cirrhosis), liver failure, and liver cancer.

How Is Hepatitis B Diagnosed?

Doctors use blood tests and imaging to monitor the infection and liver health:

• Medical history and physical exam — The doctor checks for symptoms and potential exposure history.

• Hepatitis B blood panel — A three-part test checking for Surface Antigen (current infection), Surface Antibody (immunity), and Core Antibody (past exposure).

• Viral load test — Measures the amount of virus in the blood to track infection activity.

• Liver function tests — Blood tests measuring enzymes like ALT to check for liver damage.

• Liver biopsy — Removing a tiny piece of liver tissue to check for scarring.

• Ultrasound or MRI — Imaging tests to look for physical changes in the liver.

• Screening recommendations — The CDC recommends all adults 18+ and all pregnant women get tested at least once.

How Is Hepatitis B Treated?

Treatment depends on whether the infection is acute or chronic:

• For Acute Hepatitis B — Most adults do not need medication. Treatment focuses on rest, fluids, and healthy nutrition while the body fights the virus.

• For Chronic Hepatitis B — Antiviral medicines like tenofovir and entecavir are used to lower the viral load and protect the liver.

• Interferon — An injection that helps the immune system fight the virus, though it may cause more side effects.

• Regular Monitoring — Ongoing checkups and cancer screenings are essential for those with chronic infections.

• Vaccination for Prevention — A safe, effective vaccine series usually starts at birth.

• Liver Transplant — Necessary in severe cases of liver failure, though antiviral therapy must continue afterward.

Trend

• Chronic Cases: Approximately 862,000 people in the United States are living with chronic Hepatitis B.

• New Infections: About 20,000 new acute infections occur each year in the U.S.

History of Hepatitis B

• 1965: Dr. Baruch Blumberg discovered the hepatitis B surface antigen.

• 1969: The first Hepatitis B vaccine was developed.

• 1981: The FDA approved a newer, safer vaccine derived from yeast cells.

• 1991: The WHO recommended global routine immunization.

• 1992: The U.S. began recommending vaccination for all infants.

Hepatitis B - Source of Information

• Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

• Cleveland Clinic

• Mayo Clinic

• National Library of Medicine Medline Plus

• World Health Organization

For informational purposes only. Consult a medical professional for advice.