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A liver infection that goes away on its own in more than 9 in 10 people

	There are several viruses that can cause different types of hepatitis (hepatitis A, B and C). Turn to ConsumerReportsHealth.org to learn more about hepatitis B, a liver infection that goes away on its own in most people.
	Subscribe to ConsumerReportsHealth.org to find out if interferon or a newer drug called lamivudine rates best for treating chronic hepatitis B.

Consumer Reports Health has brought together the best research about hepatitis B and weighed the evidence about how to treat it. You can use our information to talk with your doctor and decide which treatments are best for you.

Key points about hepatitis B

• Hepatitis B is a virus that is carried in blood and other bodily fluids like saliva, semen and urine.
• You can get hepatitis B if you use infected needles for taking illegal drugs, share household items like razor blades (that may have infected blood on them), or have unprotected sex with an infected person.
• Pregnant women who are infected can also pass the virus on to their babies.
• More than 9 in 10 people with hepatitis B quickly get better on their own, and have no symptoms or very mild symptoms. This is called acute hepatitis B.
• But some people don’t get better and, as time passes, their liver gets damaged. This is called chronic hepatitis B.
• Chronic hepatitis B can cause cirrhosis of the liver and, in some cases, liver cancer.
• Fortunately, there is a safe and effective vaccine used widely in the U.S. against hepatitis B.
• Babies get this vaccine when they are born. If you were not vaccinated when you were born, and you have a profession or lifestyle that puts you at high risk for getting hepatitis B, you should get the vaccine.

Hepatitis B is much more common in other parts of the world than it is in the United States. So, if you're planning to travel abroad, you should find out from your primary care doctor whether you are going to an area where hepatitis B is common. Your primary care doctor will let you know if you should have a vaccination.

We encourage you to read our entire condition report and to consult with your doctor to learn more about hepatitis B. As a Consumer Reports Health subscriber, you’ll have access to our expert research and recommendations, and you’ll be more confident and knowledgeable when talking to your doctor about your condition.