Hepatitis B (HBV)

Hepatitis B is a viral STD that is transmitted through vaginal, oral and especially anal sex, sharing of needles, and through receiving contaminated blood or blood products through transfusions. There is no known cure for Hepatitis B however, most infections clear up by themselves within 4-8 weeks. Some infected individuals become chronically infected.

Symptoms:

Nearly 33% of people infected with HBV are asymptomatic. When symptoms do appear they include:

  • Muscle aches
  • Headaches
  • Fever
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting

If there is liver involvement symptoms include abdominal pain, dark urine and yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes.

Consequences & Effects:

Chronical hepatitis B can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer and immune system disorders.

 
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