May is Hepatitis Awareness Month!
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Millions of Americans are living with chronic viral hepatitis, and many do not know they are infected.
The word “hepatitis” means inflammation of the liver.
Hepatitis is most often caused by one of several viruses, which is why it is often called viral hepatitis.
Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B can be both prevented with vaccines.
For More Information
To learn more about vaccinations, visit Vaccines.gov.
Hepatitis B is a liver disease that results from infection with the Hepatitis B virus. It can range in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious, lifelong illness. Hepatitis B is usually spread when blood, semen, or another body fluid from a person infected with the Hepatitis B virus enters the body of someone who is not infected. This can happen through sexual contact with an infected person or sharing needles, syringes, or other drug-injection equipment. Hepatitis B can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby at birth.
Hepatitis B can be either acute or chronic. Acute Hepatitis B virus infection is a short-term illness that occurs within the first 6 months after someone is exposed to the Hepatitis B virus. Acute infection can — but does not always — lead to chronic infection. Chronic Hepatitis B virus infection is a long-term illness that occurs when the Hepatitis B virus remains in a person’s body. Chronic Hepatitis B is a serious disease that can result in long-term health problems, and even death.
The best way to prevent Hepatitis B is by getting vaccinated.
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