Did you know that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all adults 18 or older get checked at least once in their lifetime for hepatitis B?
People who are pregnant should also be tested, as well as infants born to people who have hepatitis B.
Hepatitis B is a serious liver disease caused by a viral infection that can lead to inflammation, scarring, liver failure and even cancer in some cases. It can be a short-term mild infection or become a serious, long-term infection.
Hepatitis B is highly contagious and is transmitted through blood, semen or certain other infected bodily fluids. Even small amounts of infected blood entering an uninfected person can transmit disease, so we advise people not to share personal items like razors and toothbrushes.
About half the people who have hepatitis B, have no symptoms and don’t know they have it. Especially in the early stages of an infection, the hepatitis B virus can lay dormant in the liver. This can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment and increased risk of transmission to others.
There are treatment options for hepatitis B, but the even better news is that there is a very effective vaccine to protect against hepatitis B. Just last year, the CDC expanded the groups of patients who should receive this vaccine, so even if you weren’t previously recommended to receive it, you may be now. Now, all adults up to age 60 should receive this vaccine, regardless of their risk factors.
Remember you might not have any symptoms, but symptoms may include:
- Dark urine or clay-colored stools
- Feeling tired
- Fever
- Joint pain
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea, stomach pain, throwing up
- Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice)
Risk factors for hepatitis B are:
- Infants born to people with hepatitis B
- People born in certain countries (including Asia, the Pacific Islands and Africa) 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 who have been in jail or prison
- People who inject drugs or share needles, syringes, or other types of drug paraphernalia
- People who live with someone who has hepatitis B
- Health care and public safety workers who are exposed to blood on the job
People are also at higher risk if they have medical conditions, such as:
- Hepatitis C
- Sexually transmitted infections, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Conditions that require dialysis
- Liver damage or inflammation
The vaccine for hepatitis B is safe and effective. Talk with your primary care provider about getting testing and/or vaccinated. If you don’t know whether you’ve been vaccinated for hepatitis B, check your immunization record in your patient portal or contact medical records. Remember, we’re here for you when you’re not feeling well, but we’re also here to help you stay healthy!
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