Logo: NC Department of Health and Human Services
Logo: Immunize North Carolina
Header: NC Immunization Branch

Link: Home Page
Link: Immunization Information in Spanish
Link: About the Immunization Branch
Link: Adult Immunization Information
Link: Kid's Club
Link: NC immunization links
Link: North Carolina Immunization Registry
Link: NC Immunization News and Events
Link: North Carolina Immunization Branch Newsletter
LInk: Immunization Information for Parents
Link: Providers' Page
Link: Immunization Information for Child Care, Schools and College Entrance
Link: Site Map
Link: Contact the Immunization Branch
Link: Email the Immunization Branch
Link: Disclaimer

Header: Hepatitis B Subsite Home

Hepatitis B is a serious disease caused by a highly infectious virus which can lead to severe illness, liver damage and, in some cases, even death. Each year in the United States, more than 80,000 people become infected with hepatitis B, approximately 5,000 people die of liver failure and another 1,500 die of liver cancer related to hepatitis B. Hepatitis B is the most common cause of liver cancer in the world.

Hepatitis B virus can be passed from one person to another through exchanged blood and other body fluids, such as with sexual intercourse or by sharing needles to inject drugs. The hepatitis B virus is found in an infected person's blood, semen, vaginal fluids and other body fluids. Pregnant women who are infected with hepatitis B virus may transmit the disease to their infants. It may be spread from an infected person to another person in the following ways:

  • Unprotected sex (without using a condom)
  • During birth from mother to child
  • Contact with blood or open sores of an infected person
  • Pre-chewing food for babies or sharing chewing gum
  • Using non-sterile needles in ear piercing, IV drug use, tattooing, or acupuncture

Hepatitis B infection is NOT spread by:

  • Casual contact, like holding hands
  • Eating food prepared by a carrier of the virus
  • Kissing on the cheek or dry lip kissing
  • Sharing silverware, plates or cups
  • Visiting an infected person’s home
  • Playing with a child who is a carrier of the virus
  • Sneezing or coughing

 


Logo: NC Division of Public Health

Link: N.C. Women's and Children's Health Web Site

Hepatitis B is a very serious disease, but it is preventable. Hepatitis B vaccine can provide protection in 90-95 percent of healthy people. The vaccine can be given safely to infants, children and adults in three doses over an approximate six-month period. Even pregnant women can safely be given these shots if their risk factors show they need it. Hepatitis B shots are very safe and side effects are rare.

Hepatitis B Information:

Hepatitis B Prevention Programs:

Additional Resources:

Adapted from materials developed by the Hepatitis B Coalition, the Hepatitis B Branch of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Perinatal Hepatitis B Program of the North Carolina Immunization Branch.

 

 


Last Updated: November 6, 2006

The purpose of this web site is both educational and informative.
Personal medical advice should be sought from your local health department or physician.

 Disclaimer
Email webmaster