Hepatitis B Info

Could I Have Hepatitis B?

Determine Your Risk of Having the Hepatitis B Virus

There are approximately two billion people in the world that are infected with the hepatitis B virus, of which some 350 million people have chronic hepatitis B.¹ Your risk level depends partly on where in the world you live. In areas such as Africa, Asia and some Southern and Eastern regions in Europe, 10 percent of the population may be chronically infected. The highest number of hepatitis B cases are found in people aged 25-44, followed by people in the 15-24 age group.² Additionally, men are nearly three times more likely than women to become infected with hepatitis B.³

The virus spreads from person to person through blood and body fluids, but preventing hepatitis B is possible. In this section of the Web site, read about the causes of hepatitis B. If you think that you have been exposed to the hepatitis B virus, it is important to visit your medical professional and get a hepatitis B blood test. See our list of common hepatitis B symptoms and learn what’s involved in a hepatitis B blood test.

A Hepatitis B vaccine is a way to prevent hepatitis B, but if you have already been exposed to the virus it won’t prevent you from getting infected.