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%