What Is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus. The disease can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, liver failure, liver cancer, and in some cases, death. Although symptoms can include fatigue, nausea, jaundice, and pain in the belly, hepatitis B is known as the silent killer because people can have the virus for years without knowing it, feel healthy, and therefore pass it onto others.

The only way to know if you have the virus is to get tested! Unfortunately, the hepatitis B test is not part of the routine medical visit. That’s why it’s important that you ask your doctor to test you specifically for the hepatitis B virus with the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) test. Talk with your doctor about your test results and the appropriate follow up services.