Hepatitis B is inflammation of the liver caused by viruses and toxic substances.

Symptoms

The incubation period is two to six weeks after being infected. The symptoms are feeling very tired, loss of appetite, and jaundice, which is a yellowing of the skin. You may also have symptoms such as skin rashes, nausea, and abdominal pain.

Treatment

Unfortunately there is no cure for Hepatitis B. There is a treatment called alpha interferon which decreases the viral activity. It is a natural product of the human body, which interferes with the reproduction of a virus after it has interred the body. Most people who get hepatitis B will carry it for the rest of their lives.

Transmission

Transmission is through sexual contact or sharing hypodermic needles of drug users and blood transfusions, which is rare. You can also get it by sharing a tooth brush or shaving kit. If the person that has the disease and you have an open sore and you come in contact with them than you can get the disease.

Testing

Testing is by a blood sample.