Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a virus that affects the liver and can spread through blood and body fluids.
What Is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a virus that infects the liver. The liver helps clean your blood, store energy, and fight infection.
The hepatitis B infection may last a short time and go away on its own (acute). For others, it lasts a long time (chronic). Chronic hepatitis B can cause liver swelling (inflammation) and may lead to liver damage and other serious health problems.
Getting the hepatitis B vaccine is the best way to prevent hepatitis B infections.
How Hepatitis B Spreads
Hepatitis B spreads when blood or body fluids from someone who has the virus enter another person’s body who is not protected (not immune).
Many people with hepatitis B don’t feel sick and may not know they can spread the virus to others.
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How Is Hepatitis B Diagnosed and Treated?
Hepatitis B is diagnosed with blood tests. Your child’s doctor or health care provider will decide what treatment is needed.
Your child may need:
- Rest and healthy foods
- Antiviral medicine
- Follow-up medical visits and blood tests
How Can You Prevent Spreading Hepatitis B?
Follow these steps to help prevent spreading hepatitis B:
- Get the hepatitis B vaccine. It is safe and effective. Babies should get their first dose within 24 hours of birth. For more information, visit our vaccine FAQ.
- Wash hands often with soap and warm water, especially:
- After using the bathroom.
- Before eating or preparing food.
- After diaper changes or toileting.
- After contact with blood or bloody items.
- Wear throw-away (disposable) gloves when handling blood, like when stopping a nosebleed or bleeding from a cut. Wash your hands after removing the gloves.
- Family members who have not been vaccinated should get the hepatitis B vaccine.
- If your child or a family member is exposed to hepatitis B, contact your doctor right away to discuss next steps.
When Should I Call the Doctor for Hepatitis B?
Call your child’s doctor or health care provider if they:
- Have been exposed to blood infected with hepatitis B.
- Have yellow skin or eyes.
- Are very tired for many days.
- Vomit more than 2 times in 1 hour.
- Have stomach pain.
- Have a fever over 100.4° Fahrenheit (F) or 38° Celsius (C) for more than 2 days.
- Have not wanted to eat in the past 24 hours.
