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Hepatitis B
What is hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus. It is the most common contagious liver disease and is 100 times more contagious than HIV. Although hepatitis B is not commonly thought of as a sexually transmitted infection, it is often spread through sexual activity.
Is it common?
The incidence of hepatitis B is highest in the 20 to 29-year-old age group. In the United States, 300,000 people are infected each year and approximately 1 million people who have been exposed to hepatitis B are carriers of the virus.
How is it transmitted?
Hepatitis B is transmitted by direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person. This includes semen, vaginal secretions and saliva. Transmission may occur through:
- Vaginal, oral or anal sex
- Exposure to blood through cuts, open sores or mucous membranes
- Sharing needles or syringes
- From an infected mother to her baby during childbirth
- Saliva can be a means of transmission through bites. There are no documented cases occurring from other types of exposure to saliva, including kissing.
What are the symptoms?
The most common symptoms include:
- Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice)
About 50 percent of people infected with hepatitis B do not know they are infected and can give the virus to others. Ten percent of people infected with hepatitis B become carriers of the virus. A carrier has the virus in their body the rest of their lives and can transmit the virus to other sexual partners, but they may not develop any other health complications.
How soon after exposure to hepatitis B will symptoms appear?
Symptoms usually occur within two to six weeks but may occur one to six months after exposure to the virus.
How is it diagnosed?
Hepatitis B is diagnosed by a blood test. You can make an appointment to be tested at the Student Health Center or you can contact another testing site in San Marcos. If you choose to be tested at the Student Health Center, you can ask your medical provider about testing costs and when you can expect your results during your appointment.
How is it treated?
There is no specific treatment for hepatitis B. Rest and a diet high in protein and carbohydrates help the liver repair itself. Most hepatitis cases are acute and the infection lasts from one to six months. During this time, the person is continually infectious. While in this infectious period, the person should avoid alcohol and medications, substances metabolized by the liver. Sexual activity also is not recommended in order to prevent transmission to partners. Although 90 to 95 percent of adults with hepatitis B recover completely, 5 to 10 percent develop chronic cases of hepatitis B. This means that the infected person remains highly contagious even after receiving treatment. Alpha interferon and lamivudine are two drugs licensed for the treatment of persons with chronic hepatitis B. These drugs are effective in up to 40 percent of patients; however, approximately 15 to 25 perecnt of chronic cases result in severe liver disease and death.
Caregivers must also protect themselves from direct, ungloved contact with blood and other body fluids of individuals with hepatitis B so that they will not be infected. In addition, if your sex partner or a member of your household has hepatitis B, you should consult your medical provider in order to be vaccinated.
Can it be prevented?
Hepatitis B is the only STI that can be prevented by a vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control now recommends vaccination for all newborns in order to prevent hepatitis B infection later in life. The vaccine is also recommended for medical providers and anyone in close contact with infected individuals. The vaccine consists of three shots given at zero, one and six months. The vaccine series is offered at the Student Health Center and costs $20 an injection for people under the age of 20. If you are 20 years of age or older, the cost is $40 per injection. Check with your medical provider to find out whether you should be vaccinated.
Can hepatitis B infections be dangerous?
Hepatitis B is a serious condition that can cause lifelong infection, cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver cancer, liver failure and death.
Links you can use
Health Education Resource Center (512) 245-2309
Walk-ins and appointments are welcome to obtain confidential answers to health questions. Located in suite 201 of the Student Health Center at the corner of Sessom and Tomas Rivera Drive.
Student Health Center (512) 245-2167
Located at the corner of Sessom and Tomas Rivera Drive.
Confidential information and care is available by appointment with a physician or nurse. There are no fees for medical care at the Student Health Center. However, there may be fees incurred if laboratory tests, medications, specialist or emergency hospital care is needed.
Planned Parenthood
CDC's National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention
STD Resource - A Guide to Sexually Transmitted Diseases
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Last Modified:
May 31, 2006
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