Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a common viral bloodborne disease. About half of all infections are transmitted through sexual activity. It is caused by a virus called HBV which attacks the liver and can cause lifelong infection, cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver cancer, liver failure, and death. 1 in 5 people will become infected sometime in their lives.

Symptoms:

As with all STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infection), symptoms may not be present, but you or your partner may still be infected and infecting others. Symptoms include yellow skin or yellowing of the whites of your eyes (jaundice), tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, clay-colored bowel movements, joint pain as a result of liver damage.

How it is Spread:

HBV is spread when blood or body fluids from an infected person enters the body of a person who is not infected, i.e. sexual activity, by sharing drugs, needles, or "works" when "shooting" drugs, through needlesticks or sharps exposures on the job, or from an infected mother to her baby during birth.

Side Effects:

Pregnant women who are infected can give the disease to their babies.

Treatment:

Most babies are now given a vaccine to prevent the disease. Once it has been contracted there is no cure. There are some medications that can be used to treat Hepatitis B, but they tend to be expensive, long term, have side effects and don't always work.

How to Avoid:

Abstinence until a single, life-long, committed, and monogamous relationship is the only sure way to avoid being infected. If you are married, stay faithful. If you are sexually active, stop and get tested. Don't shoot drugs.

Sources
Center of Disease Control and Prevention
The Medical Institute