Viral hepatitis B is a disease that affects the liver. In some cases, this particular virus may even be responsible for causing liver cancer. Individuals with viral hepatitis B may have a mild case of infection or may experience a more severe, long-lasting infection that requires hospitalization and continued medical care.
There are several different types of hepatitis a person can become infected with. These types include hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. While all are highly contagious, a vaccination exists only for types A and B.
Individuals contract viral hepatitis B through contact with the bodily fluids of another person infected with the virus. Such fluids include semen and blood, or may be spread through other bodily fluids exchanged while having sexual intercourse or from sharing hypodermic needles. It is also possible for newborn children to become infected with viral hepatitis B by a mother carrying the virus.
Symptoms of viral hepatitis B begin to manifest within three to six months after an initial infection and can last from between a few weeks to several months. Physical symptoms of the virus include fever, joint pain, vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, discolored urine and bowel movements, extreme fatigue, abdominal pain and joint pain. Individuals infected with viral hepatitis will also experience a yellowing of the skin and possibly a yellowing of the white area of the eyes.
In many countries, children are inoculated against viral hepatitis B at an early age in an attempt to lower the risk of infection during a lifetime. Later in life, additional doses of the vaccine will be needed to form stronger immunity against the virus. For individuals who have never been vaccinated or who did not receive enough vaccinations, infection is possible.
For those who do become infected, treatment for viral hepatitis B includes rest with plenty of fluids and a healthy diet. In more severe cases, however, hospitalization may be needed. When a person is infected with chronic viral hepatitis, developing liver disease is possible and strict monitoring must be done by a doctor to watch for signs of such.
While anyone can contract viral hepatitis B, there are groups more at risk for infection than others. Research indicates that homosexual men, individuals who inject recreational drugs and individuals who come in sexual contact with other infected individuals are considered to be at high risk for hepatitis infection. People with weakened immune systems, such as those with AIDS or HIV, are also at greater risk for contracting viral hepatitis.
