Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by a virus. It is 100 times more infectious than HIV. About 300,000 Americans get it each year. Most people recover but some become chronic carriers and increase risk o permanent liver failure and cancer of the liver.
Symptoms usually appear within 2-6 weeks after contact. They can include poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, headaches, general malaise, and jaundice.
Testing is usually not done unless patient is suffering from jaundice or has had sexual contact with someone infected with Hepatitis. 90-95 percent of people who have Hepatitis will fully recover.
Treatment for Hepatitis includes rest and diet. It is also possible to get immunized against Hepatitis.
Hepatitis is contracted through the exchange of blood or bodily fluids. It can be contracted through all types of sex and can be passed froma n infected mother to her baby during childbirth. Hepatitis is the only sexually transmitted disease that can be prevented with a vaccine. |
