Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a viral liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is transmitted through blood and bodily fluids, for example during unprotected sexual intercourse, the sharing of injection needles, or certain medical or cosmetic procedures. Transmission can also occur from mother to child during childbirth.

The disease occurs worldwide. It is most prevalent in certain regions of Africa and Asia, but infections are also common in Europe, including the Czech Republic.

The incubation period is usually 1–6 months. Symptoms may include fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, muscle and joint pain, dark urine, or jaundice. Some infections are asymptomatic.

Unlike hepatitis A, hepatitis B can become chronic. A chronic infection can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, liver failure, or liver cancer.

Treatment for acute hepatitis B is mostly supportive. For chronic forms, antiviral drugs are used, which can significantly slow the virus’s replication and reduce the risk of liver damage; however, it may not always be possible to completely eliminate the virus.

Vaccination is the most effective form of prevention. In the Czech Republic, this vaccination is mandatory for all residents born in 1989 or 1990 and later.