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What you need to know

  • Hepatitis B is a serious disease that attacks the liver.

  • It is spread through contact with blood, semen, or other body fluids from an infected person.

  • Protect yourself by getting the vaccine.

  • Many people who are infected do not know it. All adults should get a screening test for Hepatitis B.

  • Treatments are available to prevent serious outcomes. ā€‹ā€‹


Hep B​​Hepatitis B basics

​What is hepatitis B and how do you get it?

Hepatitis B is a serious disease caused by the hepatitis B virus. The hepatitis B virus spreads when blood, semen, or other body fluids from an infected person enters the body of someone who is not infected.  It can spread if you have sex with someone who is infected. You can get it if you share items contaminated with blood from an infected person, such as needles.

Hepatitis B virus is NOT spread through:

    • ​Sneezing

    • Coughing

    • Hugging

    • Breastfeeding or chest feeding

    • Food or water

What are the symptoms of hepatitis B?

Many people with hepatitis B do not have symptoms or know they are infected. For some people, hepatitis B is a short-term illness (acute).  For others, it can become a long-term (chronic) infection. This can lead to very serious health issues like liver disease or liver cancer.

Symptoms can appear anytime from 2 weeks to 6 months after exposure. Acute symptoms can include:

    • Fever

    • Tiredness

    • Loss of appetite

    • Nausea

    • Throwing up

    • Stomach pain

    • Dark urine

    • Light-colored stools

    • Joint pain

    • Yellow skin and eyes

If hepatitis B becomes a chronic infection, it may cause:

    • Liver cirrhosis (scarring)

    • Liver cancer

    • Liver failure

    • Death​

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How do I avoid getting hepatitis B?

To protect yourself, get vaccinated and get tested.

Vaccination is the best way to prevent hepatitis B. Vaccines, like any medicine, can have side effects. Many people who get hepatitis B vaccine have no side effects at all. The most common side effects are usually mild and last one to two days.

The following people should get vaccinated for hepatitis B:

    • All infants
    • All children and adolescents younger than 19 years of age who have not been vaccinated
    • Adults aged 19 through 59 years
    • Adults aged 60 years and older with risk factors for hepatitis B

The following groups may receive hepatitis B vaccination, if not previously vaccinated:

    • Adults aged 60 years and older without known risk factors for hepatitis B

Get Tested

Two in three people with hepatitis B don't know they have it. Testing is the only way to know if you have the virus. All adults 18 years and older should get tested at least once in their lifetime. This should be done even if they are vaccinated.

Blood tests can detect signs of the hepatitis B virus in your body and determine if you're immune to hepatitis B.

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​Who is most affected by hepatitis B?​

While anyone can get hepatitis B, some people are at higher risk, including:

    • Infants born to people with hepatitis B.

    • People born in certain countries where hepatitis B is common.

    • People born in the US who were not vaccinated as infants and whose parents were born in countries with high rates of hepatitis B.

People with certain medical conditions are at higher risk for hepatitis B, including:

    • People who have hepatitis C.

    • People who have sexually transmitted infections, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

    • People who are on dialysis.

    • People who have liver damage or inflammation.

Other people are at a higher risk for hepatitis B because of other factors, including:

    • People who have been in jail or prison.

    • People who inject drugs (PWID) or share needles, syringes, or other types of drug equipment.

    • Sex partners of people who have hepatitis B.

    • Men who have sex with men.

    • People who live with someone who has hepatitis B.

    • Health care and public safety workers who are exposed to blood on the job.

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What if I get hepatitis B?

​Treatment:

The treatment depends on whether you have acute or chronic hepatitis B. Learn more about treatment options for hepatitis B.​

Resources for everyone


Resources for health care providers

Here are resources to diagnose, treat and report cases.



Resources for public health professionals

Here are resources to monitor and report cases.


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