Hepatitis B

What is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by the Hepatitis B virus. There are several different kinds of Hepatitis virus. Hepatitis damages the liver and stops it from working normally. If you have a chronic infection, it can be very serious as the liver can stop working correctly or develop cancer.

Most adults who get infected with Hepatitis B can usually get rid of the virus without treatment. But 5-10% of people don’t clear the virus and remain infectious for years resulting in chronic Hepatitis B infection.
90% of babies born with Hepatitis B will develop chronic hepatitis

How can I get Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is passed through infected body fluids (blood, semen, saliva or vaginal fluid) to other people.

Ways you could get Hepatitis B:

  • From mother to baby during childbirth
  • Unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex
  • Sharing injection needles, tattoo equipment or needle stick injuries
  • Sharing toothbrushes and razors.

You cannot get Hepatitis B from hugging, holding hands, kissing on the cheek, coughing or sneezing, sharing food or eating food made by someone with Hepatitis B.

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