Hepatitis B

Overview

Hepatitis B is a vaccine-preventable liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). HBV spreads when blood, semen, or other body fluids from an infected person enters the body of someone who is not infected, such as through needle or syringe sharing, sexual activity, or during childbirth (perinatal hepatitis B).  

Hepatitis B can be mild and may resolve within 6 months (acute hepatitis B), or it can last for years with serious complications (chronic hepatitis B). Most adults will clear the infection but infants and children with hepatitis B are more likely to develop chronic hepatitis B and serious problems like liver damage or liver cancer.  

The number of acute hepatitis B cases in Alaska dropped after the hepatitis B vaccine became available, but Alaska still has higher rates of chronic hepatitis B compared to the United States as a whole.  

The best way to prevent HBV infection is to get vaccinated.  

Symptoms & Diagnosis 

Many people infected with HBV will not have symptoms, but they can still spread the virus. When infected, a person might have no symptoms, mild illness, or severe complications that require hospitalization.  

Symptoms can include: 

• Fever 
• Fatigue (feeling tired) 
• Stomach pain 
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Loss of appetite 
• Dark urine (tea- or cola-colored) 
• Pale or grey-colored stool (poop) 
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice)

Acute hepatitis B 

Hepatitis B symptoms usually start 2-5 months after contact with HBV and last up to 6 months. 

Chronic hepatitis B 

While symptoms may be similar to acute hepatitis B, people with chronic hepatitis B may not have symptoms until much later in life. When left untreated, chronic hepatitis B can cause liver damage, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and death.  

Testing

Hepatitis B is diagnosed with a blood test by a healthcare provider. Testing is recommended if you: 

• have symptoms of hepatitis B 
• suspect you have been exposed to HBV 
• are pregnant (during each pregnancy) 
• are over 18 and have never been tested 
• have ongoing risk of exposure to HBV  

Treatment 

While there is no cure for hepatitis B, there are medications and treatments that can help manage symptoms and prevent serious health problems like cirrhosis and liver cancer.  

Prevention 

The best way to prevent hepatitis B is by completing the hepatitis B vaccine series. 

Hepatitis B Vaccine Recommendations 

The Hepatitis B vaccine comes in a series of 2, 3, or 4 shots depending on the formula and patient's age. You must complete the vaccine series to be fully protected. 

The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for: 

• All infants 
• Children under 19 years old who have never been vaccinated 
• Adults 19 to 59 years old 
• Adults 60 years or older with ongoing risk of exposure to HBV 
• Healthcare personnel who may be exposed to blood and body fluids 
• Testing and reducing risks for transmission can also help prevent the spread of hepatitis B.  

Reporting 

Healthcare providers and laboratories are required to report hepatitis B, including positive and negative viral load results, within 2 working days.    

Resources