Hepatitis B
What is it?
Hepatitis B is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus. The word "hepatitis" means inflammation of the liver.
What are the symptoms?
Many adults and most children who become infected with this virus do not have symptoms. People who do develop symptoms complain of weakness and feeling tired. They may have vomiting and/or diarrhea, dark urine and yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice). Some people also have abdominal pain.
Most adults who become infected recover completely and develop antibodies that protect them for life against infection. There are a small number of adults (10%) who cannot clear the virus and become carriers of hepatitis B. Carriers may have symptoms that come and go throughout their lives, or carriers may have no symptoms at all, but they can still infect others. Some carriers develop scarring on their liver (cirrhosis). There is a risk of liver cancer in those who are carriers of hepatitis B.
How soon do symptoms start?
If symptoms develop, it is usually within 60-90 days, but can range from 45-180 days, after being exposed to the virus.
How is hepatitis B diagnosed?
Hepatitis B can only be diagnosed through a blood test.
How is it spread?
The virus is found in blood, semen, vaginal secretions or saliva of an infected person. It can be spread through sexual contact, used needles, body piercing/tattooing with unsterilized equipment and close household contact with an infected person. Mothers who are hepatitis B carriers can also spread the infection to their babies and up to 90% of these infants become hepatitis carriers. Hepatitis B is not spread by water or food.
How is hepatitis B prevented?
Vaccination for hepatitis B is the best protection!
- Hepatitis B vaccination has been offered in Ontario schools to all Grade 7 students since 1994.
- All pregnant women receiving prenatal care are screened for hepatitis B. Babies born to mothers who are hepatitis B carriers will receive the recommended vaccinations for free.
- Household and/or sexual contacts of persons infected with hepatitis B and patients receiving renal dialysis, or frequent blood products can also receive the vaccination for free.
- Vaccination is also recommended for high risk behaviours such as multiple sexual partners, injection drug use and men having sex with men.
- Health care and public safety workers who may come into contact with blood or bodily fluids should be vaccinated against hepatitis B.
- Tattooing and body piercing procedures should involve clean and sterilized equipment.
- People who are planning to travel internationally may be advised to have the hepatitis B vaccination.
What should I do if I have the hepatitis B virus?
- Encourage your sex partners to see a doctor for a hepatitis B blood test, assessment and possible immunization.
- Use a condom if you have sex with a person who is not immune to hepatitis B.
- If you become pregnant, tell your doctor that you have hepatitis B so that your infant can be protected at birth by receiving the vaccine and immune globulin.
- Tell your doctor and dentist that you have hepatitis B infection.
- Never share your toothbrush, razor, nail file or other items that may contain tiny amounts of blood (i.e., drug equipment).
- Never donate blood, tissue or semen.
- Clean up spills of blood with soap and water, then wipe the surface with freshly diluted household bleach (i.e., one part bleach mixed with nine parts water) and let it stand for 10 minutes before wiping off. The bleach will kill any hepatitis B virus left on the surface.
- Get rid of articles stained with blood (e.g., tampons, dental floss, bandages, etc.) by putting in a plastic bag in garbage, or flushing down a toilet (small items only).
- You can prepare and serve food as long as you do not have bleeding or oozing cuts and sores on your hands. Other sores and cuts on your body should be covered.
- Health care workers should always practice Routine Practices when handling blood or body fluids. This practice will prevent the spread of infection.
- You can swim in public pools if you do not have open cuts or sores.
- Avoid alcohol as this can further damage your liver.
- Get the hepatitis A and pneumococcal vaccine to protect your liver from these infections (provided free from the Ministry of Health for those at high risk). Speak to your doctor regarding these 2 vaccines.
For more information about Hepatitis B, visit the Canadian Liver Foundation.
This information is intended to provide general health-related information about hepatitis B. It is not intended to replace medical consultation by your physician and/or other health care professionals.
Source: Red Book 2006, 27th Edition, American Academy of Pediatrics Control of Communicable Diseases Manual, 2008, 19th Edition, David L. Heymann
