Hepatitis B is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus. As this eMedTV page explains, acute hepatitis B usually does not require treatment; chronic hepatitis B is usually treated with medications such as alpha interferon.
Hepatitis B develops after infection with the hepatitis B virus. There are no other hepatitis B causes. This eMedTV article describes some of the ways in which the hepatitis B virus can be transmitted (such as through sharing drug needles).
This eMedTV page describes the ways that hepatitis B transmission can occur. HBV can be transmitted when the blood of an infected person enters the body of someone who isn't infected or when someone comes into contact with other infected body fluids.
This eMedTV Web page defines the hepatitis B incubation period (or the time between hepatitis B transmission and the start of symptoms). This page discusses how this incubation period can vary and how long a person with hepatitis B may be contagious.
Joint pain, fatigue, and a sore throat are a few hepatitis B symptoms that can occur early in the disease. This eMedTV Web page also explores symptoms of chronic hepatitis B (such as itchy skin and personality changes).
This eMedTV page covers the steps involved in diagnosing hepatitis B (such as taking the medical history). This page also explains that the doctor will consider other conditions that can share similar symptoms with hepatitis B before making a diagnosis.
As this eMedTV page explains, hepatitis B testing may involve one or more blood tests. This article describes some specific tests that a doctor may use to diagnose hepatitis B and what positive results mean for some of these tests.
Hepatitis B treatment is usually necessary only for the chronic form of the disease. This eMedTV article provides information about medicines used for the treatment of hepatitis, which can include alpha interferon and lamivudine.
It is important that people with hepatitis B eat healthy foods and not become overweight. This eMedTV Web page outlines other elements of a hepatitis B diet, including considerations for those taking hepatitis B medicines and those with cirrhosis.
The best way to prevent hepatitis B is to get the hepatitis B vaccine and avoid high-risk behaviors. This eMedTV page offers some tips for effective hepatitis B prevention, such as never having unprotected sex if you have multiple sex partners.
Getting the hepatitis B vaccine is the best way to prevent the disease. This eMedTV Web page explains who should and shouldn't get the hepatitis B vaccine, as well as the typical vaccination schedule for adults and children.
The only cure for hepatitis B, once infection with the hepatitis B virus has occurred, is time. This eMedTV page explains that the body can usually kill the virus. This page also lists high-risk situations to avoid as part of hepatitis B prevention.
The hepatitis B virus is 100 times more contagious than HIV. This page on the eMedTV Web site provides additional information about the hepatitis B virus, including how it is spread and its possible symptoms and complications.
Hepatitis B statistics show that 1.25 million Americans are chronically infected with hepatitis B. This eMedTV article lists other hepatitis B statistics that can provide a better understanding of this disease.
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