Hepatitis B (Acute)

Acute hepatitis B is an infection that attacks the liver. It is caused by the hepatitis B virus and is transmitted through contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person, including through sexual contact, sharing needles or from mother to baby at birth. An acute infection occurs within the first six months after exposure to the virus. Some people may have a mild illness with few or no symptoms, while others have more serious illness requiring hospitalization or even resulting in death. Most healthy adults can get rid of the virus on their own without treatment. Chronic hepatitis B occurs when the acute infection has lasted for more than six months. Hepatitis B can be prevented through vaccination – offered in grade seven and to those at high risk of infection.