When Someone Close to You Has Chronic Hepatitis B

This information sheet discusses chronic hepatitis B, a contagious liver disease that results from infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It explains the difference between acute and chronic infection and how likely HBV is to become a chronic infection, the seriousness of chronic hepatitis B, its transmission and symptoms, how it is diagnosed, the importance of getting tested, and who should be tested. It explains prevention by means of vaccination, who should be vaccinated, whether vaccination is recommended for all infants, whether it is possible to have been vaccinated and still be infected with HBV, and treatment.