Hepatitis B (LG-HBV)
Serious liver infection
Serious liver infection
Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection due to the hepatitis B virus (LG-HBV). For a few people, hepatitis B infection becomes chronic, meaning it lasts over six months. Having chronic hepatitis B increases the risk of developing liver failure, liver cancer or cirrhosis a condition that permanently scars of the liver.
Most adults with hepatitis B recover completely when their signs and symptoms are severe. Infants and children are more likely to develop chronic (long-lasting) hepatitis B infection.
A vaccine can prevent hepatitis B, but there is no cure if you’ve got the condition. If you’re infected, taking certain precautions can aid the prevention of spreading the virus to others.
Signs and symptoms of hepatitis B vary from mild to severe. They normally appear about 1 – 4 months after you’ve been infected, although you could see them as early as 14 days post-infection. Most people, usually young children, may not have any symptoms.
Hepatitis B signs and symptoms may include:
Hepatitis B spreads through an experience of blood, semen or other body fluids from an infected person. Your risk factor of hepatitis B infection rises if you have:
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