Health Conditions

What causes it?

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is transmitted from individual to individual through contact with infected bodily fluids, such as blood. Because chronic carriers of HBV are often unaware that they have the virus, they may transmit the disease to others unknowingly. Injecting illegal drugs with contaminated needles or unprotected sexual contact with an infected individual are common ways to become infected. Sharing and reusing diabetes blood testing supplies with any infected individual may also cause an individual to become infected. In addition, instruments such as those used for tattooing and body piercing can spread hepatitis if they are not properly sterilized between uses. There is also a risk of becoming infected with HBV by using a shaving razor or toothbrush of an infected person. A mother who is infected can transmit HBV to her baby during childbirth. However, it is not transmitted through breast-feeding.

Once HBV makes its way to the liver, it multiplies. Symptoms usually develop within one to six months. Exactly how liver cells are damaged or why some people progress to chronic infection or liver cancer is unknown.