Sexually Transmitted Infections Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is caused by infection with HBV. HBV is found in highest concentrations in blood and in other bodily fluids (e.g., semen and vaginal secretions). Sexual transmission among adults accounts for most hepatitis B transmissions in the United States.
Important facts
There are 750,000 individuals with sexually acquired hepatitis B in the U.S.
Only 50% of adults with acute Hepatitis B have symptoms.
The incubation period from time of exposure to onset of symptoms is 6 weeks to 6 months. Hepatitis B is the only sexually transmitted infection that is preventable with vaccination.
Hepatitis B may show no symptoms in its most contagious phases. If symptoms appear, they appear within four weeks.
Common symptoms
Extreme fatigue, headache, fever, hives.
Lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, tenderness in the lower abdomen.
Later symptoms include more abdominal pain, dark urine, clay-colored stool, and yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes.
How hepatitis B is spread
Hepatitis B is spread in semen, saliva, blood and urine by intimate and sexual contact, from kissing to vaginal, anal and oral intercourse.
Use of unclean needles to inject drugs.
Accidental pricks with contaminated needles in the course of health care.
Diagnosis
Blood tests are the only means currently used for establishing a diagnosis.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for persons with acute Hepatitis B.
Antiviral agents are available for treatment of persons with chronic Hepatitis B.
Prevention and protection
Condoms and other latex barriers offer protection against Hepatitis B during vaginal, anal and oral intercourse.
One can be immunized against Hepatitis B. The Hepatitis B vaccine is available through Student Health Service.
