Hep b how can you get it

These symptoms will usually pass within 1 to 3 months acute hepatitis B , although occasionally the infection can last for 6 months or more chronic hepatitis B. You can go to your local GP surgery , drug service , genitourinary medicine GUM clinic or sexual health clinic for help and advice. A blood test can be carried out to check if you have hepatitis B or have had it in the past.

The hepatitis B vaccine may also be recommended to reduce your risk of infection. If you have been exposed to the virus in the past few days, emergency treatment can help stop you becoming infected. If you have only had the infection for a few weeks or months acute hepatitis B , you may only need treatment to relieve your symptoms while your body fights off the infection. If you have had the infection for more than 6 months chronic hepatitis B , you may be offered treatment with medicines that can keep the virus under control and reduce the risk of liver damage.

In other words, just about everyone should receive the hepatitis B vaccine. There are also other ways to reduce your risk of HBV infection. You should always ask sexual partners to get tested for hepatitis B. Use a condom or dental dam when having anal, vaginal, or oral sex.

Avoid drug use. Coronary artery disease reduces blood flow to your heart. Learn how to recognize coronary artery disease symptoms, how to manage the symptoms, and…. Practicing safe sex is crucial to the prevention of sexually transmitted infections.

Learn more. Hepatitis B is a viral infection that disproportionately affects Asians and Asian Americans. Hepatitis A, B, and C are caused by different viruses that lead to inflammation of your liver. We break down the differences between each type and how…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Hepatitis B. Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, M. HBV infection can be acute or chronic.

Is hepatitis B contagious? Who is at risk for hepatitis B? What are the symptoms of hepatitis B? If you and your doctor decide you need testing, get your blood drawn, then start the vaccine series at the same visit. That way, you will be closer to being protected from HBV infection. Hepatitis A and hepatitis C are different diseases caused by different viruses. There is a vaccine for hepatitis A, but there is no vaccine for hepatitis C. For information on hepatitis A and hepatitis C, talk to your health care professional, call your local health department, or visit CDC's hepatitis Web site at www.

If you have insurance, the cost of hepatitis B vaccination may be covered. If not, sometimes these shots are available free or at low cost through special clinics or health departments.

Call your local health department for details. While you're at it, find out what other vaccinations you need, too! Navigation menu. HBV: Protect yourself. Get vaccinated. How common is hepatitis B around the world? Hepatitis B Transmission. How is hepatitis B spread? Can a person spread the hepatitis B virus and not know it? Can the hepatitis B virus be spread through sex?

Can hepatitis B be spread through food? Who is at risk for hepatitis B? Who should be tested for hepatitis B? What should I do if I think I have been exposed to the hepatitis B virus? How long does the hepatitis B virus survive outside the body? How should blood spills be cleaned from surfaces to make sure that hepatitis B virus is gone? If I have been infected with the hepatitis B virus in the past, can I get it again?

Can I donate blood if I have hepatitis B? Can I donate organs if I have hepatitis B? Prevention through Vaccination. Can hepatitis B be prevented? Who should get vaccinated against hepatitis B? Is the hepatitis B vaccine recommended before international travel?

Is the hepatitis B vaccine safe? Can I get hepatitis B from being vaccinated? Is it harmful to have an extra dose of hepatitis B vaccine or to repeat the entire hepatitis B vaccine series? What should be done if hepatitis B vaccine series was not completed?

Who should not receive the hepatitis B vaccine? What is a booster dose, and do I need one? Is there a vaccine that will protect me from both hepatitis A and hepatitis B? Can I get the hepatitis B vaccine at the same time as other vaccines?

Where can I get the hepatitis B vaccine? Does acute hepatitis B cause symptoms? What are the symptoms of acute short-term hepatitis B? How soon after exposure to the hepatitis B virus will symptoms appear, and how long do they last?

Can a person spread hepatitis B without having symptoms? What are the symptoms of chronic hepatitis B? How serious is chronic long-term hepatitis B? How do I know if I have hepatitis B? What should I do after learning that I have hepatitis B? How is acute short-term hepatitis B treated? How is chronic hepatitis B treated? What can people with chronic hepatitis B do to take care of their liver?

Pregnant Women and their Newborns. Are pregnant women tested for hepatitis B? If a pregnant woman has hepatitis B, is there a way to prevent her baby from getting hepatitis B? Why is the hepatitis B vaccine recommended for all babies? Hepatitis B Overview What is hepatitis? An estimated million people are living with hepatitis B worldwide.