Hepatitis B | Division of Public Health

Hepatitis B is a serious disease that affects your liver. It’s caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and can lead to lifelong health problems like liver damage, liver cancer and even death.

Each year, about 78,000 people in the United States get hepatitis B, and about 1.2 million people live with a long-term, or chronic, infection.

The Hepatitis B Vaccine

Hepatitis B is a vaccine-preventable disease. The Hepatitis B vaccine protects you, your family and your community.

NC School and Child Care Immunization Requirements

Learn more about requirements for the Hepatitis B vaccine.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms usually show up six weeks to six months after infection and can include:

Tiredness or weakness
Poor appetite
Stomach pain
Fever, nausea or vomiting
Joint pain, hives or rash
Dark urine
Yellowing of the skin or eyes (called jaundice)

Many adults never notice symptoms, even if you are infected.

How it spreads

Hepatitis B spreads through contact with infected blood or body fluids like semen or vaginal fluids. You can get it by:

Having sex with someone who has the virus
Sharing needles or other injection equipment
Being stuck by a needle at work
Being born to a mother with hepatitis B

You can’t get hepatitis B through casual contact like hugging, sharing food or coughing.

The virus can be in a person’s blood and fluids for weeks before symptoms appear. Some people never have symptoms but can still spread the virus. Adults are less likely to develop chronic infection, but babies who get hepatitis B at birth almost always do.

Prevention and vaccination

The hepatitis B vaccine is safe, effective, and the best way to prevent infection. Vaccination is recommended for all children starting at birth and for all adults 19-59.

The vaccine is also recommended for adults ages 60 and older at higher risk for hepatitis B.

Explore CDC's list of who's considered high risk for Hepatitis B.

People with diabetes should never share blood glucose meters or fingerstick devices.

Testing and diagnosis

A blood test is the only way to know if you have hepatitis B.

Talk to your health care provider if you think you’ve been exposed or have symptoms. Early testing helps prevent spreading the virus to others and protects your liver health.

Treatment and recovery

Most healthy adults who get hepatitis B recover on their own with rest, fluids and a healthy diet. Some adults with more severe illness may require hospitalization and medications.

For people with chronic hepatitis B, antiviral medicines can help control the virus and protect the liver. Talk with your health care provider about what’s best for you.

If you have hepatitis B:

Tell your doctor, dentist and close contacts
Don’t share razors, toothbrushes or anything that could have your blood on it
Use condoms during sex
Avoid alcohol and talk to your provider before taking medicine that could harm your liver

Outbreaks and public safety

If you work in health care or public safety, always follow safe injection and blood-handling practices. These steps protect both you and your patients.