Hepatitis B

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Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a liver disease caused by infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The liver becomes swollen and tender (inflamed) and may develop permanent damage, such as scarring or liver cancer.

The hepatitis B virus spreads by way of body fluids, including blood, semen, and vaginal fluids (including menstrual blood).

The infection can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic) and may cause flu-like symptoms, such as extreme tiredness, fever, headache, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea (or constipation), and muscle aches. Other symptoms may include discomfort under the right rib cage, joint pain, skin rash, and yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).

Acute hepatitis B usually goes away on its own; home treatment is used to relieve symptoms and help prevent spread of the virus. Treatment for chronic HBV infection includes monitoring the condition and using antiviral medications to prevent liver damage. If hepatitis B has caused severe liver damage, a liver transplant may be needed.

Hepatitis B can be prevented by vaccination.

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Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

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Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

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