Overview
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by a virus that infects the liver. It spreads through infected blood, semen, and other body fluids during sexual contact. It can be passed from mother to baby during childbirth. It also can spread when people share needles to inject drugs or share things that may have blood on them. These include razors and toothbrushes. Needles used for tattoos, body piercing, or acupuncture can spread the disease if they are not cleaned the right way.
After you get the virus, it may be months before you see symptoms. You may never notice them. You can give the disease to other people before and after you have symptoms.
Hepatitis B can make you tired. It can cause a fever, nausea, vomiting, light-coloured stools, and dark urine. Your skin or eyes may look yellow. This is called jaundice.
Most people get better in several weeks, but it can take several months. For some people the virus stays in their bodies (become chronically infected). If the virus stays in your body for a long time, it can cause serious liver disease. After you have had the virus and feel better, you will not get it again.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter I471 in the search box to learn more about "Hepatitis B: Care Instructions".