Hepatitis B (Chronic)

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. A chronic infection is when a person’s immune system cannot get rid of the virus and it remains in their blood and liver for more than six months. Long-term complications of a chronic infection may include cirrhosis or liver cancer. In some cases, treatment with antiviral medications is recommended to prevent complications from the infection. Hepatitis B can be prevented through vaccination – offered in grade seven and to those at high risk of infection.