What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a virus that infects the liver and can cause serious damage. It is the leading cause of liver cancer, cirrhosis, and death from the liver. The virus is carried in the blood and other body fluids of an infected person and transmitted through contact with the infected fluid. It can be transmitted through sharing needles, sex, or other sexual contact, childbirth, and contact with infected body fluids. It can also be passed from mother to infant during birth.

Causes of Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). The virus is highly contagious, and can be spread through contact with blood, semen, saliva, and other body fluids that contain the virus. It can also be spread through mother to baby during childbirth. Additionally, sharing needles or other drug paraphernalia can increase the risk of contracting Hepatitis B.

Prevention of Hepatitis B

The best way to prevent Hepatitis B is by getting vaccinated. The vaccine is safe and highly effective, and the chance of getting infected with the virus is greatly reduced if a person is vaccinated. In addition to getting vaccinated, it is important to practice safe sex, to never share needles or other drug paraphernalia, to avoid contact with blood or other body fluids, and to wash up after using the restroom. It is also important for pregnant women to get tested for the virus to ensure that the virus is not passed to their baby during childbirth.