Hepatitis B is a liver disease caused by a virus. It spreads through blood, semen, or other body fluids, including when someone:

• Has sex with a person who has hepatitis B
• Shares drug needles with a person who has hepatitis B
• Shares a razor or toothbrush with a person who has hepatitis B
• Touches the blood or open sores of a person who has hepatitis B

Acute Hep B is short-lived. Symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Upset stomach or vomiting
• Lack of appetite
• Dark urine or clay-colored feces
• Pain in the joints and stomach
• Jaundice

Chronic hepatitis B is a lifelong illness that can lead to serious — and possibly deadly — liver problems, including cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer, or liver failure.

You may be at risk for hepatitis B if you:

• Have diabetes
• Have sex or live with someone who has hepatitis B
• Have sex with more than 1 partner
• Have a sexually transmitted disease
• Are a man who has sex with men
• Use drugs with needles
• Could come into contact with blood at work
• Get hemodialysis treatment for kidney problems
• Travel to countries where hepatitis B is common
• Have hepatitis C
• Have a chronic liver disease
• Have HIV
• Are incarcerated