Frequently Asked Questions
HEPATITIS B VIRUS (HBV)

What is HEPATITIS B VIRUS?

Hepatitis B (formerly known as serum Hepatitis) is a liver disease caused by the Hepatitis B Virus.  
The disease affects between 140,000 to 320,000 persons per year in the United States.

Who gets Hepatitis B virus?

Anyone can get Hepatitis B virus, but those at greatest risk include:
*	Babies born to mothers who are infectious with the Hepatitis B Virus (including carriers);
*	Injection drug users (or persons who share needles);
*	Persons in occupations where there is contact with infected blood and other infectious body 
	fluids, which include saliva (persons who work in settings such as centers, healthcare 
	workers, first responders, etc.);
*	Sexually active homosexual and bisexual men;
*	Anyone with multiple sex partners;
*	Men and women who have a recent diagnosis of another sexually transmitted disease;
*	Hemodialysis patients;
*	Persons who receive unscreened blood products;
*	Certain household contacts of an infected person;
*	Household contacts and sexual partners of Hepatitis B carriers;
*	Inmates of long term correctional facilities;
*	Persons from countries where Hepatitis B is widespread (certain areas of Asia and Africa); 
	and
*	Persons in the United States who are Alaskan Natives or Pacific Islanders.

How is the virus spread?

Hepatitis B virus can be found in the blood of infected persons. It is also present in lesser amounts 
in semen, vaginal secretions, amniotic fluid, body fluids containing blood, unfixed tissues and 
organs, and saliva. Hepatitis B virus is spread through sexual contact (homosexual and 
heterosexual), needle sharing, needle stick injury, mucous membrane exposure, and direct contact 
with infected body fluids.  Hepatitis B virus is not spread by casual contact.

What are the symptoms of Hepatitis B virus?

Many persons with Hepatitis B virus infection have no symptoms at all, or they may be mild and flu- 
like (i.e.: loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and fatigue). Some patients may notice 
darkened urine (iced tea colored), light-colored stools or yellowed skin and eyes (jaundice).  A few 
persons will experience a more severe disease syndrome and may die from liver failure.

How soon do symptoms appear?

The symptoms may occur as early as 45 days to as long as 180 days following exposure. On 
average, symptoms appear between 60 and 90 days.  The variation in time for onset of symptoms is 
related to the amount of virus transmitted at the time of exposure.

How is Hepatitis B virus diagnosed?

Since there are several types of viral Hepatitis, a blood test is needed to determine which type of 
Hepatitis is present.

How long is a person able to spread the virus?

The virus can be present in blood and other body fluids several weeks before symptoms appear and 
generally for several months afterward.  About one in 10 adults and three of 10 children with 
Hepatitis B will go on to become ongoing carriers of the virus for the rest of their lives, even when 
they do not have symptoms.  As long as the virus is present, it can spread to others.  Persons with 
Hepatitis B infection should not donate blood, organs or tissues.

What is the treatment for Hepatitis B virus?

There are no special medicines to treat a person with acute Hepatitis B disease.  Generally, rest 
and supportive treatment is all that is needed.  Carriers of Hepatitis B infection may benefit from 
treatment with a medication called alpha-interferon.

What precautions should Hepatitis B carriers take?

Hepatitis B carriers should practice good hygiene so that close contacts are not directly exposed to 
their blood or other body fluids. Carriers must not share razors, toothbrushes or any other object 
that may become contaminated with blood. In addition, household members, particularly sexual 
partners, should be immunized with Hepatitis B vaccine. Carriers should practice “safe sex” if their 
partners are not immunized.  It is important for carriers to inform their dentists and other health care 
providers of their carrier state.

Can Hepatitis B virus be prevented?

Yes, a vaccine to prevent Hepatitis B virus has been available since 1982. It is safe, effective and 
recommended for all newborns, 11-12 year-olds and for any person at risk for getting infected. A 
special Hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) is also available for people who are not vaccinated and 
are exposed to the virus. If you are exposed to Hepatitis B, consult a doctor or your local health 
department immediately.



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Revised 05/2006  Doc. # 35-05-20/07/05/05-J