Hepatitis B
A serious infection of the liver that can be easily prevented by a vaccine
Hepatitis B is a dangerous liver infection that can become chronic if a baby is infected.
- 1 in 4 infected babies will later die from liver failure or liver cancer as adults.
- How It Spreads
- Hepatitis B is passed through infected blood, including:
- During birth if the mother has the virus
- Blood transfusions (before routine screening)
- Sharing items like washcloths, toothbrushes, or razors that have infected blood
- Symptoms & Risks
- Symptoms appear 45-160 days after infection (average 90 days).
- Many babies and young children show no symptoms, but the virus stays in their body for life.
- Before the vaccine, 18,000 children were infected every year.
- No Cure—Only Prevention
- There is no treatment for Hepatitis B once someone is infected. The Hepatitis B vaccine is the best way to protect babies and prevent lifelong disease.
The Hepatitis B Vaccines remain the best protection against Hepatitis B. Stay protected. Stay informed.
Here is a video that goes into more detail about Hepatitis B.