What is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). It can be either short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic). Chronic Hepatitis B can lead to serious health problems, including liver damage, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and death if left untreated.
People with Hepatitis B can also develop Hepatitis D, a more severe form of hepatitis that only occurs in those already infected with Hepatitis B.
Hepatitis B Fast Facts
Short or long
term illness
Vaccine available
Can lead to serious
health problems
Hepatitis B is
preventable
How it Spreads
Sexual contact
Sharing needles
or syringes
During
childbirth
Sharing personal
items
Hepatitis B is spread through contact with infected blood or body fluids.
Hepatitis B also spreads through sharing personal items such as razors, toothbrushes, or nail clippers that may have blood on them.
Why Testing Matters
Many people with Hepatitis B do not have symptoms, especially in the early stages. Testing is the only way to know you status.
Testing can determine whether you:
Have an active infection
Had a past infection
You are immune
Early diagnosis allows for monitoring and treatment to prevent serious liver disease.
Who Should Get Tested
Consider getting tested for
Hepatitis B if you:
Were born in a country where Hepatitis B is common
Have lived with or had sexual contact with someone who has Hepatitis B
Have ever injected drugs or shared needles or equipment
Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
Have HIV or another condition that affects your immune system
Are receiving dialysis or have chronic liver disease
Work in healthcare or public safety and may be exposed to blood
Have elevated liver enzymes without a known cause
Not sure if you need testing?
Testing is simple and for many people is recommended at least once in their lifetime.
Hepatitis B Test Results
HBsAg (Surface Antigen): Indicates an active infection
Anti-HBs (Surface Antibody): Shows immunity from vaccination or past infection
Anti-HBc (Core Antibody): Indicates past or current infection
Learn what hepatitis B test results mean.
Treatment and Management
Hepatitis B is not curable, but it is manageable
Routine liver
testing
Avoiding
alcohol
Preventing
transmission
Antiviral
medications can reduce the amount of virus in the body.
People living with hepatitis B who are receiving treatment and have an undetectable viral load are much less likely to pass the virus to others.
Prevention
Prevent
Hepatitis B
Get vaccinated
Don’t share needles
Practice safer sex
Get tested
If you aren’t sure whether you’ve been vaccinated for hep B, a blood test can tell if you are protected.
Ready to get vaccinated?
Find a nearby location.
Who Should
Get Vaccinated?
Born in or travel to areas where hep B is common
Inject drugs
Sex with multiple partners
Close contact with someone with hep B
Have chronic liver disease or HIV
Are pregnant or planning pregnancy
Work in healthcare or public safety
Haven’t been vaccinated for hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is preventable. Vaccination is the best protection.
Get vaccinated if you are not already protected
Get tested if you have symptoms or possible exposure
Take precautions to prevent spreading infection to others
Find a vaccination or testing site near you.
