Facts About Hepatitis B Virus

Hepatitis is a general term used to describe inflamation (swelling) of the liver. Alcohol, certain chemicals or drugs, and viruses such as hepatitis A, B, C, D, E and G may cause hepatitis.

Hepatitis B is a serious, sometimes fatal disease, caused by a virus that infects and attacks the liver. The virus is transmitted through direct contact with infected blood, semen, or vaginal fluid. It is primarily spread through sexual contact.
In studies that examine transmission following percutaneous exposure, HBV is 100 times more contagious than HIV.
HBV can also be transmitted indirectly because it can survive on surfaces dried and at room temperature for at least a week! That’s why contaminated surfaces are a major factor in the spread of HBV.
Each year there are up to 200,000 new infections and 5,000 hepatitis B related deaths in the U.S. (compared to 40,000 new HIV infections per year).
One in approximately 20 persons now has, or will one day have, hepatitis B.

Transmission of hepatitis B is preventable:

Use latex condoms during sex
Do not share needles
Use universal precautions in the workplace
Get the hepatitis B vaccination

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