Hepatitis B

Diagnosing Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B symptoms usually appear within 25 to 180 days following exposure to the hepatitis B virus (HBV).

Symptoms of hepatitis B

The most common symptoms are:

• Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
• Fatigue that lasts for weeks or even months
• Abdominal pain in the area of the liver (upper right side)
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Joint pain
• Low-grade fever
• Darker colored urine
• Light-colored stool
• Widespread itching
• Rash

Testing for hepatitis B

To diagnose hepatitis B, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.

Tests may include:

• Blood tests — to look for HBV and monitor its effects on the liver
• Liver biopsy (for chronic hepatitis B cases) — removal of a sample of liver tissue to be examined

If you are expecting

If you are pregnant, have a blood test for hepatitis B.

If you are diagnosed as positive, be sure that your baby receives a vaccination called H-B-I-G, and the:

• First dose of hepatitis B vaccine within 12 hours of birth
• Second dose of hepatitis B vaccine at 1 to 2 months of age 
• Third dose at 6 months of age

Your baby should also get a blood test at age 9 to 15 months to be sure he/she is protected.

To schedule an appointment, or for more information, call the UPMC Liver Cancer Center, toll-free, at 1-855-745-4837 (LIVER) or complete our contact form now.

Hepatitis B Treatment

The symptoms of hepatitis B can be treated with the following medicines:

• Interferon alfa-2b (Intron A), given by injection
• Lamivudine (Epivir-HBV), given orally

People with uncomplicated cases can expect to recover completely.

Those who have chronic hepatitis B are treated with medicine to reduce the activity of the virus and prevent liver failure.

People with chronic hepatitis B should avoid anything that can further injure the liver, such as:

• Alcohol
• Certain medicines
• Dietary supplements
• Herbs

Before taking any of the above substances, discuss them with your doctor.

To schedule an appointment, or for more information, call the UPMC Liver Cancer Center, toll-free, at 1-855-745-4837 (LIVER) or complete our contact form now.

Hepatitis B Prevention

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is spread through contact with body fluids of an infected person.

Hepatitis B can be prevented through vaccination, consisting of three injections over six-months. Protection is not complete without all three injections.

Anyone at increased risk for hepatitis B should be vaccinated.

In addition, to prevent the transmission of hepatitis B:

• Use condoms or abstain from sex.
• Limit your number of sexual partners.
• Do not inject drugs. If you use IV drugs, get treatment to help you stop. Never share needles or syringes.
• Do not share personal items that might have blood on them, such as:
  • Razors
  • Toothbrushes
  • Manicuring tools
  • Pierced earrings

If you get a tattoo or body piercing, make sure the artist or piercer properly sterilizes the equipment. You might get infected if the tools have someone else's blood on them.

Health care and public safety workers should:

• Get vaccinated against hepatitis B.
• Always follow routine barrier precautions and safely handle needles and other sharp instruments.
• Wear gloves when touching or cleaning up body fluids on personal items, such as:
  • Bandages
  • Tampons
  • Linens
• Cover open cuts or wounds.
• Use only sterilized needles for drug injections, blood testing, ear piercing, and tattooing.

If you have hepatitis B

If you have chronic hepatitis B, you can prevent the spread of your infection by:

• Telling your doctors, dentist, and sexual partner(s) that you have hepatitis B.
• Never donating blood, organs, or tissue.
• Discussing your hepatitis B status with your doctor during pregnancy, or before becoming pregnant, to ensure that your baby receives treatment.

To schedule an appointment, or for more information, call the UPMC Liver Cancer Center, toll-free, at 1-855-745-4837 (LIVER) or complete our contact form now.