Hepatitis B is a disease caused by infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Infection with this virus can cause scarring of the liver, liver failure, liver cancer, and death. Symptoms include: feeling sick; lack of appetite; flu-like symptoms, such as tiredness, general aches and pains and headaches; or yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice). In adults, hepatitis B is usually sudden and short-lived (acute), but sometimes the infection may also be long-term (chronic) and without any noticeable symptoms. If babies and children younger than 5–10 years are infected, chronic hepatitis is more common, whereas it is unusual after infection in adults.
- What is hepatitis B?
- How common is hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in Europe?
- What does hepatitis B have to do with liver cancer?
- How is hepatitis B virus spread?
- Is there any way to reduce the risk of developing liver cancer from hepatitis B virus infection?
- How soon after birth should newborns be vaccinated against hepatitis B?
- If my baby is vaccinated against hepatitis B, could he/she still develop liver cancer?
- Is the hepatitis B vaccine safe?
- My child was not vaccinated against hepatitis B at birth. Should he/she be vaccinated now?
- I am an adult and I have not been vaccinated against hepatitis B. Should I get vaccinated now?
- Am I at risk of having hepatitis B?
- Should I have a test for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection?
- I have tested positive for hepatitis B. What should I do?
- If I receive treatment for hepatitis B, will it reduce my risk of developing liver cancer?
- What are the side-effects of hepatitis B treatment?
- Where can I find more information about hepatitis B and vaccination?