Hepatitis B

What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a serious infection of the liver caused by the Hepatitis B virus. It can be prevented by vaccination.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Hepatitis B can be up to 100 times more contagious than the AIDS virus.

The Hepatitis B virus has been shown in some instances to remain infectious on environmental surfaces for at least a month at room temperature.

How common is Hepatitis B?

One in approximately 20 people now has or will someday contract Hepatitis B.

Every year in the United States, approximately 240,000 people are infected with Hepatitis B.

An estimated 1,000,000 to 1,250,000 people have chronic Hepatitis B infection and are potentially infectious to others.

How is Hepatitis B transmitted?

Hepatitis B is transmitted directly and indirectly through infected body fluids such as blood, semen, and vaginal secretions; the infection can also be picked up through mucous membrane and broken skin.

Although Hepatitis B is commonly transmitted by sexual contact, it can also be picked up through:

• exposure to blood of an infected person through contact sports

• repeatedly sharing an infected person's razor, toothbrush, or earrings

• travel to a high risk area

• use of illicit injectable drugs

• potentially through contaminated needles used for tattooing and piercing

About one third of those infected do not know the source of their infection.

Why are college students at such risk?

Approximately 75% of all reported Hepatitis B cases occur between the ages of 15 and 39 years.

More than 80% of acute Hepatitis B occur among adults.

Student may travel abroad to high risk areas as part of their studies abroad.

Living in close quarters increases risk of exposure to carriers.

Foreign exchange students from highly epidemic areas may be carriers.

30%-60% of new Hepatitis B infections in the United States are attributed to sexual transmission.

What are the symptoms from Hepatitis B?

Some people do not have any symptoms. It takes between 6 weeks and 6 months to get sick after you contract the virus. If you have symptoms, they might be:

• eyes or skin turn yellow

• may not feel like eating

• nausea or vomiting

• fever

• stomach pain

• pain in joints

• very tired

How can I protect myself?

Come to the Indiana State University Student Health Center for information on Hepatitis B.

See the Indiana State University Student Health Center immediately if you become ill.

Hepatitis B vaccine is frequently recommended for people who have had contact with a person with Hepatitis B.

The Indiana State University Student Health Center offers Hepatitis B vaccinations at cost plus an administration fee. We also offer a Hepatitis A & B combo vaccination if you have not already started either one.