Hepatitis B virus (HBV)
is a viral disease that attacks the liver, and can cause extreme
illness and even death. In some people, the infection resolves itself
and the virus is cleared, while others may remain chronically infected
after the symptoms of the infection have subsided. People who are
chronically infected with HBV face an increased risk of developing
liver disease, including scarring and liver cancer.
five percent of the U.S. population (one out of every 20 people)
has ever been infected with Hepatitis B, with an estimated 200,000
infections occurring each year. About 417,000 people are currently
living with chronic sexually acquired HBV infection.
50 percent of Hepatitis B cases carry no symptoms, the other half
of those infected often experience fever, fatigue, muscle or joint
pain, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. When infected with
HBV, many people think they have the flu and do not attribute their
symptoms to HBV infection. A very small number, about one percent,
develop a life-threatening acute form of hepatitis from the virus.
These people may suddenly collapse with fatigue, have yellowing
of the skin and eyes and develop swelling in their abdomen.
B is a preventable disease! There is a safe and effective vaccine
against hepatitis B and you can protect yourself and your loved
ones by getting vaccinated. The current vaccine is made from yeast
and is one of the safest vaccines available.
sex is not the only way you can contract HBV, getting vaccinated
for the disease is the best way to ensure you will not be infected.
You can also take other precautions when having sex such as wearing
male latex condoms or having sex with a partner who you are certain
is not infected. Other preventative measures are limiting the number
of sex partners, practicing sexual abstinence and avoiding sexual
contact if you think you are infected.