Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is an infectious inflammation of the liver triggered by the hepatitis B virus. The hepatitis B virus damages the liver. The acute infection usually goes away on its own without causing any long-term damage, but it can lead to cirrhosis or cancer. The vaccine is effective and recommended to everyone.
Who does hepatitis B affect?
Hepatitis B is present in every region of the world and is one of the most common infectious diseases. Since the roll-out of the vaccine, new infections have been decreasing in Switzerland.
How is hepatitis B transmitted?
Hepatitis B is highly contagious and is transmitted when mucous membranes come into contact with infected bodily fluids (blood and mucous membrane). Sexual transmission is also possible.
Mothers can pass hepatitis B onto their child during childbirth.
How can I protect myself?
Vaccination is the only form of protection. We recommend vaccination to everyone.
What symptoms can appear?
The course of the infection differs greatly from person to person. Most people infected with hepatitis B show only non-specific symptoms or none at all, and this applies to both acute and chronic infection.
The acute infection usually goes away on its own without causing any long-term damage, but it can lead to cirrhosis or cancer.
How do they test for hepatitis B?
A blood sample is examined to identify an infection.
How is hepatitis B treated?
Since acute hepatitis B goes away on its own for most adults without causing any long-term damage, no specific treatment is required. Inform your sexual partners of your infection so that they can be tested.
Chronic hepatitis B can be treated with medication. Only in rare cases can it be cured, but successful treatment prevents people passing hepatitis B on to others.