HepatitisB (HBV) is a virus that causes inflammation and damage to the liver.
The best way to prevent hepatitis B is through the vaccine.
Hepatitis B can be acute or chronic.
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“Acute” means a sudden onset that occurs within six months of exposure.
Some people recover from an acute infection on their own or through treatment.
When the infection stays after treatment, it becomes a chronic (lifelong) condition.
Over 60% of those infected do not know they have the virus.
New HBV infections are highest among adults aged 30 to 59.
How Does Hepatitis B Spread?
Hepatitis B is transmitted when bodily fluids from an infected person enter the body of a noninfected person.
Hepatitis A is spread through contaminated food or water rather than body fluids.
According to the CDC, the risk of transmittingHBV to a baby through breast milkis not a concern.
This changes, however, if a mother has cracked or bleeding nipples.
In this case, the mother should wait to resume breastfeeding until the nipples are no longer bleeding.
The next most common risk factor was having multiple sexually intimate partners.
What Is the Risk of Getting Hepatitis B From an Infected Partner?
The risk significantly decreases with vaccination and is the best way to keep yourself healthy.
It is safe and 98% to 100% effective.
Over half of those infected with HBV dont have symptoms.
The best way to know if you have HBV is to get a blood test.
These tests can detect HBV years before symptoms develop.
Having this information is important because early treatment can prevent liver damage.
The CDC recommends HBV screening for all adults at least once in their lifetime.
Symptoms of Hepatitis B
Many people with HBV do not havesymptoms.
This is especially true for children under five and people with serious health concerns who are immunocompromised.
Getting medical attention quickly allows you to get tested and receive treatment early, reducing your infection risk.
Summary
Hepatitis B (HBV) is a virus that causes inflammation and damage to the liver.
It can be transmitted through bodily fluids or from mother to baby.
HBV usually spreads through needlesticks or sexual activity.
Those who have sexual contact with someone infected with HBV should get tested immediately.
The best way to prevent hepatitis B is through the vaccine.
A Word From Verywell
There sometimes is stigma and fear associated with hepatitis B.
However, understanding the risk and prevention strategies is key to avoiding infection between partners.
If your intimate partner or spouse has HBV, talk with your healthcare provider or the health department.
Early testing and vaccination can help keep you healthy while building your life together.
Those with chronic (long-lasting) HBV can be contagious indefinitely.
Chronic HBV usually pops up if the person becomes infected as an infant or child.
However, while transmission through kissing is unlikely, it is possible.
This is especially true when deep kissing someone with mouth cuts or sores.HBV vaccination significantly decreases this risk.
Yes, you might have a baby with your partner if they have hepatitis B.
Babies typically receive their HBV vaccination within the first 24 hours of their lives.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis B basics.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Hepatitis B basic information.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis B surveillance guidance.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Breastfeeding: Hepatitis B or C infections.
World Health Organization.Hepatitis B.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Hepatitis B.
Hepatitis B Foundation.I am diagnosed with chronic hepatitis b, can I get married and have children?
