Hepatitis B

British Columbia Specific Information

Hepatitis B is a virus that attacks the liver. It can cause serious disease, including permanent liver damage (cirrhosis), and is the main cause of liver cancer.

The hepatitis B vaccine provides immunity for at least 10 years and likely for a lifetime when completing the full series. There are currently no recommendations for a healthy person to receive a booster for this vaccine if they have completed the full series.

For more information on hepatitis B and the hepatitis B vaccine, visit the HealthLink BC Hepatitis page

You can call 8-1-1 to speak to a registered nurse or pharmacist. Nurses are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; and pharmacists are available every night from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Condition Basics

What is hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a virus that infects the liver. Most people who get it have it for a short time and then get better. This is called acute hepatitis B.

Sometimes the virus causes a long-term infection, called chronic hepatitis B. Over time, it can damage your liver. Babies and young children infected with the virus are more likely to get chronic hepatitis B.

You can have hepatitis B and not know it. You may not have symptoms. If you do, they can make you feel like you have influenza (flu). As long as you have the virus, you can spread it to others.

What causes it?

The condition is caused by the hepatitis B virus. It's spread through contact with blood and body fluids from an infected person.

What are the symptoms?

Most people who get hepatitis B do not have symptoms. If you have symptoms, you may just feel like you have influenza (flu). Symptoms usually start to go away in 2 to 3 weeks and may include:

  • Fatigue.
  • A fever.
  • Headaches.
  • Nausea.
  • Vomiting.
  • Light-coloured stools.
  • Dark urine.
  • Yellow skin and eyes (jaundice).

How is it diagnosed?

A blood test can tell your doctor if you have the hepatitis B virus now or if you had it in the past. Your doctor also may do tests to check for liver damage.

How is hepatitis B treated?

Treatment depends on how active the virus is and if you are at risk for liver damage, such as cirrhosis. For short-term (acute) hepatitis B, you may get a shot of hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and the hepatitis B vaccine. For long-term (chronic) hepatitis B, you may get antiviral medicine.

Can it be prevented?

The hepatitis B vaccine is the best way to prevent infection. Adults age 19 and older and all babies, children, and teenagers should be vaccinated. You can do things to help avoid an infection. Use condoms during sex. Wear protective gloves if you have to touch blood. And don't share toothbrushes or razors.