Bureau of Communicable Disease

Hepatitis B (serum hepatitis)

What does hepatitis mean?

Hepatitis is a general term that means inflammation of the liver. "Hepar" means liver and "itis" means inflammation (as in arthritis, pancreatitis, and dermatitis). Viruses, bacteria, drugs, toxins, excessive alcohol intake, or autoimmunity (when the immune system attacks one's own body) can cause inflammation of the liver.

What is hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B (sometimes called hep B) is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus.

What is the difference between acute and chronic hepatitis B?

There are 2 kinds of hepatitis B. The acute form of hepatitis B is the initial infection. Most people (90%) will recover fully from this initial infection and can never get it again.  People who recover cannot spread the virus to others.  People who do not fully recover develop the chronic (long-term) form of hepatitis B, meaning the virus stays in a person’s body,   in the liver and blood.  Anyone who continues to have a positive HBsAg test for more than 6 months is considered to have chronic hepatitis B.  People with chronic hepatitis B remain able to spread the virus.

Is there a lot of acute hepatitis B in NYC?

The overall acute hepatitis B rate among New York City residents for 2006 was 1.5 cases for every 100,000 people.  That is, a total of 125 acute cases (new infections) were reported in New York City residents in 2006.  For comparison, the national rate for 2006 was 1.6 per 100,000 people. For more information, see the Hepatitis A, B and C Surveillance Report. (PDF)

How is hepatitis B virus spread?

Hepatitis B virus can be found in the blood and, to a lesser extent, saliva, semen and other body fluids of an infected person. It is spread by direct contact with infected body fluids; usually by sharing needles or sexual contact, especially sex without a condom. Hepatitis B virus is not spread by casual contact (such as in an office setting, shaking hands, talking, sneezing, coughing, kissing or hugging, sharing eating utensils or drinking glasses).

What are the symptoms of acute hepatitis B?

The symptoms of acute hepatitis B include fatigue, poor appetite, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, joint pain, hives or rash. Urine may become darker in color, stools may become pale in color, and then jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) may appear. The symptoms appear six weeks to six months after exposure, but usually within three months. Still, some people may experience few or no symptoms.

For how long is a person able to spread the hepatitis B virus?

The virus can be found in blood and other body fluids several weeks before symptoms appear and generally stays for one or a few months afterward. Approximately 10 percent of infected people may develop the chronic form. People with chronic infection remain able to spread the virus.

How is hepatitis B diagnosed?

Hepatitis B is diagnosed by a positive blood test for hepatitis B viral antigen.

What is the treatment for acute hepatitis B?

There are no special medicines or antibiotics that can be used to treat acute hepatitis B. Generally, bed rest is all that is needed. People with chronic infection should see a doctor for medical follow-up.

What precautions should people with an infection take to avoid transmitting the virus to others?

People with hepatitis B infection should make sure that other people are not directly contaminated by blood or other body fluids. Injection drug users should not share needles. Safe sex should be practiced by using condoms. People with hepatitis B should not share razors, toothbrushes, nail clippers, or any other object that could possibly become contaminated with blood. It is important that people with hepatitis B infection inform their dentist and health care providers. For more information on chronic hepatitis B, click here for a booklet from the NYC DOHMH.

Who should get the hepatitis B vaccine?

A vaccine to prevent hepatitis B has been available since 1982. It is safe and effective. The vaccine is given in 3 separate shots (you need all 3 to be protected). The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for the following people who are at an increased risk:

• • injection drug users;
• • health care and public safety workers at risk for exposure to blood or blood-contaminated body fluids;
• • persons having sexual contact (vaginal, oral, or anal) with a person who is infected;
• • men who have sex with men, particularly those with multiple partners;
• • people with multiple sexual partners;
• • travelers to area of the world where hepatitis B is endemic if they are staying for more than 6 months;
• • people who live in long-term care facilities (such as nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, group homes) or staff of these facilities;
• • hemodialysis patients;
• • people who live in the same home as someone with hepatitis B (especially if they share personal items, such as razors or toothbrushes); and
• • infants born to mothers who are hepatitis B carriers.

Other groups who are recommended to receive the vaccine are

• all children at birth
• all adults who request protection from hepatitis B infection

A special hepatitis B immune globulin is available for people who are exposed to the virus. In the event of exposure to hepatitis B, consult a doctor or the health department to obtain the hepatitis B immune globulin.

Hepatitis B: The Facts Booklet (PDF)
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For more general information on hepatitis B and the other forms of viral hepatitis, visit the CDC For more information about hepatitis visit the CDC here

For more information on adult hep B vaccination, visit the CDC here

Last updated  November  2008