Hepatitis B is the most common hazard faced when dealing with blood and body fluids. The virus is extremely dangerous.
There is no cure Often there are no symptoms of infection with Hepatitis B (HBV) until the disease has progressed.
Develops slowly After exposure it can take two to six months for HBV to develop.
Transmitted through blood and body fluids Hepatitis B can easily be transmitted to family members, sexual partners and unborn infants by way of blood, saliva and other body fluids.
Virus survives on objects and surfaces
Contact with a contaminated object or surface may also transmit the Hepatitis B virus as the virus can live at room temperature for at least one week.
There are at least five known types of Hepatitis, a virus-caused inflamation of the liver.
Symptoms include: yellowing of eyes and skin, nausea, loss of appetite, fever, and fatigue. However, you can be infected and have no obvious symptoms. A blood test confirms diagnosis.
If you are at risk or possibly infected with Hepatitis, talk
to your doctor or call the
C.D.C. Hepatitis Hotline at
(404) 332-4555 or the American Liver Foundation toll-free at (888) 4HEP-ABC.
