Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B (Hep B) is a viral infection that attacks the liver. It spreads through bodily fluids, most often during sex, by sharing needles, through contact with infected open sores, or at unsanitary medical facilities and poorly managed tattoo parlors.
A safe and highly effective vaccine protects against Hep B. If you were never vaccinated, or you aren’t sure whether you were, testing is the best way to know your status.
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Symptoms of Hepatitis B
- Fever
- Tiredness
- Lack of hunger
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Pain in the abdominal area
- Dark urine
- Pale stools
- Joint pain
- Jaundice, which is a yellowing of the skin and eyes
It can take decades for more serious symptoms to happen. And even initial symptoms can take 2 to 6 months.
Fact or Myth: Getting Hep B from Toilet Seats or Kissing
Myth: Hepatitis B does not pass from person to person through sharing utensils, drinking after each other, kissing, breastfeeding, coughing, or sneezing. The virus also can’t stay alive on a toilet seat long enough for someone to get it that way.
Dangers & Risks of Hep B to Know About
A baby can catch Hep B during birth. And Hep B is one of the most common causes of liver cancer.
Those with Hep B may have no symptoms early on, and many infections clear up on their own. However, some people who have Hep B will develop a long-term, chronic infection that can lead to serious liver damage, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Hep B Statistics to Know
Prevalence
Around 13,300 people in the US contracted hepatitis B in 2021. Approximately 640,000 people in the US live with chronic Hep B. An estimated 66% of people who contract Hep B never get diagnosed, which means many people are living with the virus without knowing it.
Hep B Screening & Testing
Screening
The CDC recommends that everyone over 18 have a hepatitis B screening test at least once in their lifetime. Pregnant women should also get screened. Those at increased risk or who donate blood or semen should request screening more often.
Testing
If you believe that you may have been exposed to Hep B, get tested as soon as possible, early detection is the best way to prevent long-term complications.
We use PCR testing for all our STDs. It is the most reliable, with an accuracy rate of 99%. Results within 48 hours of drop-off
Test Menu
In the state of Colorado, you can order a Hepatitis B test without an order from a provider. Or get tested for 10 common STDs at once with a 10 STD panel. Learn more about ordering your own STD testing online.
Treatment for Hepatitis B
Is It Curable or Treatable?
There is no cure for Hepatitis B, but most acute infections clear up on their own. Rest, hydration, and good nutrition can help ease symptoms while your body fights the virus.
For those who develop chronic Hep B, antiviral medications can reduce the chance of long-term complications such as liver damage and liver cancer. The sooner treatment starts, the better the outlook, which is why testing matters.