640 South State StreetDover, Delaware 19901
21 West Clarke AvenueMilford, Delaware 19963
401 North Carter RoadSmyrna, DE 19977
640 S. State StreetDover DE 1990121 West Clarke AvenueMilford DE 19963
301 Jefferson AveMilford, DE 19963
1275 S. State StreetDover, Delaware 19901
Hepatitis is a redness and swelling (inflammation) of the liver. It sometimes causes permanent liver damage.
There are several types of hepatitis. In hepatitis B, the liver is infected with the hepatitis B virus. This causes inflammation. The liver isn’t able to work the way it should.
The liver is a large organ that lies up under the ribs on the right side of your belly (abdomen). It helps filter waste from your body, makes a fluid called bile to help digest food, and stores sugar that your body uses for energy.
In the U.S., hepatitis B is one of the most common diseases that can be prevented with a vaccine.
Hepatitis B can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic).
Hepatitis B is caused by infection with the hepatitis B virus. People pass the hepatitis B virus to each other. This happens when you come into contact with another person’s infected:
Common ways this virus is spread are through:
Babies may also get the disease if their mother has the virus. Infected children can spread the virus to other children if they play together often or if a child has many scrapes or cuts.
Anyone can get hepatitis B by coming into contact with the blood or body fluids of someone who is infected with hepatitis B.
Some people are at higher risk for getting hepatitis B. They include:
Hepatitis B has a wide range of symptoms. It may be mild, without symptoms, or it may cause chronic hepatitis. In some cases, hepatitis B can lead to full-blown liver failure and death.
Each person’s symptoms may vary. The most common symptoms of hepatitis B include:
The symptoms of hepatitis B may look like other health problems. Always see your health care provider to be sure.
To see if you have hepatitis B, your health care provider will give you a physical exam and do a blood test.
If chronic hepatitis B is suspected, a small tissue sample (biopsy) may be taken from your liver with a needle. These samples are checked under a microscope to find out the type of liver disease and how severe it is.
Hepatitis B is not treated unless it becomes a long-term (chronic) infection. Then medicines are used to try to slow down or stop the virus from damaging the liver.
Your symptoms will be closely watched and managed as needed. If severe liver damage takes place, a liver transplant may be needed.
There is no cure for hepatitis B.
Long-term or chronic hepatitis B can cause severe liver damage. This could lead to the need for a liver transplant.
Liver failure can lead to death.
The risk of liver cancer is higher in people with hepatitis B.
A vaccine is available to prevent hepatitis B. It is given in 3 shots (injections) over 6 months. The vaccine is suggested for everyone age 18 years and younger, as well as for adults over age 18 who are at risk for the infection.
You can protect yourself and others from hepatitis B by:
Bayhealth is Southern Delaware’s healthcare leader with hospitals in Dover and in Milford. Bayhealth provides a wide range of medical services, including cardiovascular, cancer, orthopaedics and rehabilitation, pediatrics, respiratory care, sleep care, surgical weight loss and women’s services.