HEPATITIS B
Hepatitis B is a serious liver disease that is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Although many will completely recover from HBV infection, for 10% of those infected Hepatitis B can cause lifelong infection, cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver cancer, liver failure, and death. You are at increased risk of HBV infection if you are a man who has sex with a man and/or inject drugs. Hepatitis B is a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

How it's spread:
HBV is transmitted by infected semen, vaginal fluids and blood. Any activity that allows these body fluids from an infected individual to enter your body can result in HBV infection.  HBV has been known to be transmitted through activities like unprotected oral, anal, and vaginal sex; sharing infected injecting equipment, toothbrushes or razors, and tattooing/body piercing with non-sterilized tools. HBV is 100 times more infectious than HIV and 10 times more infectious than hepatitis C (HCV).

Symptoms:
About 70% of those with hepatitis B have symptoms. Even if people have no symptoms, they can still pass on the hepatitis B virus to others and not know it. Symptoms may include:

Treatment:
Acute (short term) HBV infection usually goes away by itself and does not require medical treatment. For those 10% that may develop chronic (long term) Hepatitis B, there are effective medications available. HBV infected persons should be evaluated by their doctor, and avoid alcohol and any substances that are toxic to the liver. For more detailed information on hepatitis B treatment consult your medical provider or visit http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/b/faqb.htm

Prevention:
Hepatitis B vaccination is the most effective way to prevent HBV infection (see vaccination). Other ways of preventing HBV infection are:

Long Term Consequences
People who have had chronic HBV for a number of years may develop the following:

Twenty five percent of those with chronic HBV may develop progressive liver disease leading to cirrhosis, liver cancer, liver failure and sometimes death.

Vaccination:
Vaccination consists of a three-dose series given within a 6 month period. If the second or third dose is missed within the 6 months, it’s never too late to get it. There is no need to restart the series. There is also a hepatitis A and B combination vaccine called Twinrix.

Hepatitis B vaccines have shown to be safe, as it contains no live virus. Soreness at the injection site is the most frequently reported side effect.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended if you: