The hepatitis B vaccine provides the best protection against infection. Completing the full series is required for full protection and results in immunity for life in most cases.
The hepatitis B virus is 100 times more infectious than the AIDS virus. Yet, hepatitis B can be prevented with a safe and effective vaccine.
Centers for Disease Control and PreventionOf infants born to infected mothers in the U.S., approximately 4 in 10 will develop chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. One-fourth of infants with chronic HBV infection eventually die from chronic liver disease.
Infection in infants born to HBV-infected women is preventable by providing hepatitis B immune globulin and hepatitis B vaccine to the infant within 12 hours of birth.
PREGNANCY GUIDELINES:
Hep B is transmitted when the bodily fluids of an infected person enter the bloodstream of a non-infected person through:
The virus can also survive on the surface of objects for seven days or more.
Pregnant mothers who are infected with hep B can pass the disease to their children, but this can be prevented through treatment and vaccines.
Centers for Disease Control and PreventionMost people with acute hep B do not have symptoms, but they may develop chronic hepatitis over time. When present, acute symptoms can last several weeks and up to six months. Typical symptoms include:
Chronic infection can lead to more serious complications such as:
Hepatitis B is the most common serious liver infection in the world. It is caused by the hepatitis B virus that attacks liver cells and can lead to liver failure and liver cancer.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention