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Disclaimer

For educational purposes, the story you are about to read contains elements that may contradict with current scientific findings. However, all specific facts regarding the Hepatitis B Virus stated throughout the story are accurate to our best knowledge.

#disclaimer

Table of Contents

Disclaimer

i. There Once Was An Asymptomatic Hepatitis B Virus

i.ii Data Sheet

ii. The Asymptomatic Hepatitis B Virus Gets A Bully

ii.ii Data Sheet

iii. The Asymptomatic Hepatitis B Virus Gets Deep

iii.ii Data Sheet

iv. The Asymptomatic Hepatitis B Virus Has A Family

iv.ii Data Sheet

v. Interesting Facts

References

All Research

:) Click here for laughs :)

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Chapter 1: There Once Was An Asymptomatic Hepatitis B Virus

Once upon a time, there was a hepatitis B virus who lived in the human liver. His life should’ve been everything he ever wanted - he had a nice warm home in the the liver with his family, and his cousins, hepatitis A and hepatitis C, had recently moved in with them. They lived in the urban part of the liver where all their friends were, and they had access to an abundance of cells - all which they would infect in due time. The bloodstreams ran fresh by his home, and from where he lived, he had fantastic view of the pulsing heart. This virus had to admit, where he lived was paradise.

But this virus could never be happy because he had a secret.

You see, this virus would accompany his siblings on infecting trips, in which they would go out and explore the liver and what it had to offer. Sometimes, his siblings would even start a competition over who could infect the most cells. They would scramble over each other and find the closest liver cell to attach to. Then, they would fuse with the host cell’s membrane, releasing core proteins and and DNA into the cytoplasm. Then, his HBV siblings would begin penetrating, uncoating, and replicating, which would ultimately lead to more infecting, and so on.

This virus used to join in on the games too, but now that he had his secret, he could never let the others know. If they were to ever find out, he would be disowned by his family. No, he would not let that happen. This would stay a secret.

But this virus was born with horrible luck. Whenever he played rock paper scissors with his siblings, he would always end up losing. Perhaps this same luck was applied here, because one day, the siblings found out. It was an utter nightmare.

“You’re what?”

“Sorry! I just….” He mumbled out incoherently.

“Speak up!”

“I.. I…” this virus inhaled before blurting out, “I’m asymptomatic!”

Those words hung in the air for an eternity, and this virus truly felt like a disease. Of course, he was one, but he always had other viruses who taught him to accept that and embrace it. His friends loved him and he was accepted, even among the Chronics, whom all the Acutes aspired to be one day. Now he wasn’t too sure.

The virus looked up timidly and was met by condescending stares. No one said a thing as Chronic by Chronic, Acute by Acute stood up and walked out.

The virus trembled and could feel a tear starting to make its way down its face. Did everyone hate him now?

Chapter 1: Data Sheet

Virus and scientific name: Hepatitis B virus (HBV)

Genus: Orthohepadnavirus

Family: Hepadnaviridae

Organism it Infects:

The only known natural hosts for the hepatitis B virus are humans. Although, other animals (ie. chimpanzees) have been able to host it in laboratory settings.

Usually, it will infect a human’s liver cells (hepatocytes), which causes our immune system to respond by targeting those infected liver cells, resulting in liver inflammation (hepatitis).

Number of Strains:

There are eight different types/genotypes of HBV, labeled: A-H. However in 2014, 2 more types have been found, labeled: A-J. The differences between the genotypes are based on differences in HBV's genetic structure.

HBV genotypes B and C are common in Asia

Genotypes A and D occur frequently in Europe.

Genotypes F and H are found in Central and South America.

US: see genotypes A, B, C, and D.

Finding out the HBV genotype may have some value when choosing treatments for hepatitis B. But there is debate over whether or not knowing the genotype is important.

Lytic or Lysogenic:

The HBV undergoes the lysogenic cycle to reproduce.

The virus gains entry into the liver cell (hepatocyte) by binding to a receptor on the surface of the cell and enters it.

Then, the viral capsid delivers the viral genome (relaxed circular DNA, rcDNA) to the nucleus where it is converted by host enzymes into cccDNA, which functions as a mini-chromosome.

The cccDNA mini-chromosome then serves as template for the production and replication of new viral components.

The HBV Core protein accumulates in the cytoplasm where it is used to make the new copies of the genome and to make the capsid core protein and the viral DNA polymerase.

Capsid assemblies with either leave as new infectious viral particles or return to the infected nucleus, continuing the cycle and prolonging infection.

#i.ii

Chapter 2: The Asymptomatic Hepatitis B Virus Gets A Bully

The following days, this virus didn’t know what to do. Wherever he would go, a cloud of despair and embarrassment would float not too far behind him. He was frustrated at both himself and the other viruses, whom would try to disassociate themselves from him whenever he got too close. It wasn’t his fault though, that he couldn’t cause any symptoms! He did try his best, but no matter how hard he would try, the stupid human he lived in would simply never get sick because of him.

The only thing he looked forward to was a visit from his cousins who were coming later today.

He didn’t know what to tell them. Should he let them know before the gossip got to them? Should he tell them his perspective? Would they even care? From what he knew, his cousin hepatitis A was the kinder one who would perhaps be more understanding than hepatitis C, who was usually the impulsive one. After much thinking, this virus decided it would be best to talk this over tea.

As he readied his home for the visitors, he realized he was running low on tea leaves. Because this virus loved to see his visitors smile, this virus decided to run an errand for some tea leaves.

Exiting his home, this virus began walking past the many other viruses who were his neighbours. Usually, these viruses would cheerfully cry out to him, “Good morning brother!” but today’s atmosphere was tense like a taut elastic and as thick as a cake. The awkwardness was almost tangible, this virus noted, as he clambered his way past the other Acutes. He used to be one of them, and now he was not. How very strange it must be for them.

He just hoped his cousins wouldn’t be the same.

Deep in his thoughts, this virus was in some other parallel dimension until a nasally voice jostled him to reality. It was one of the Chronics, he realized, who would often ridicule the Acutes. This virus felt that the Chronic should watch his mouth, because although Acutes were not deadly as they were, Acutes could still pack quite a punch.

“I’m so-” this virus apologetically began.

“Watch where you’re going, As!” yelled the Chronic. He didn’t need the apology of some weak loser. “Why are you here? Go back home, you symptomless little virus! We don’t someone like you around here.”

“Yeah!” another Chronic hollered in agreement. “You belong with the white blood cells! They would get rid of an abomination like you!”

The others nodded in agreement.

“You’ve got no symptoms. I guess that makes you a NOS!” cackled another virus. “NOS, NOS, NOS!” the other viruses chanted.

“Hey,” someone interrupted, “Where’d that As go?” Everyone stopped their cackling and looked around in confusion.

This virus was not there anymore because he had already left for home.

#ii

Chapter 2: Data Sheet

Symptoms:

HBV is a noncytopathic virus. This means that the virus itself does not cause direct damage to liver cells. Instead, it is the immune system's aggressive response to the virus that usually leads to inflammation and damage to the liver (hepatitis). However, it can cause damage to liver cell’s genetic material.

HBV leads to a wide spectrum of liver disease ranging from acute hepatitis (including fulminant hepatic failure) to chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Symptoms can take two to six months to appear and only about 50 percent of people develop symptoms (even though damage can already be done to your liver).

There are usually two types of infection:

1. Acute - lasts less than six months

Most people do not have any symptoms during this phase (asymptomatic acute hepatitis - like our poor virus friend), however some may have an acute illness that lasts many weeks (symptomatic acute hepatitis) with symptoms of:

Abdominal pain

Dark urine

Fever

Joint pain

Loss of appetite

Nausea and vomiting

Weakness and fatigue

Yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice)

Rare - acute liver failure

About 95 percent of adults will recover within 6 months of becoming infected with acute hepatitis B and as a result will develop lifelong protection against it (due to antibodies). The remaining 5 percent are unable to clear the virus and will become chronically infected.

2. Chronic - lasts six months or longer (or for a lifetime)

The risk for chronic hepatitis b is depends on age. The younger the age, the more likely that the infection will become chronic (<6 years old is at greatest risk).

Mild liver disease - no long term morbidity or mortality.

Active disease - can progress into cirrhosis (scarring of liver) and liver cancer. There is also possibility of kidney disease, inflammation of blood vessels and anemia.

Around 1/3 of the people with chronic HBV infection will ultimately develop a long-term consequence of the disease, such as cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease, or HCC.

For people with severe chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis, the 5-year survival rate is about 50%.

#ii.ii

Chapter 3: The Asymptomatic Hepatitis B Virus Gets Deep

Yesterday was a disaster that this virus couldn’t get out of his mind. No matter how hard he willed himself to sleep away the traumatizing events, they still lingered in the form of nightmares.

“Garghh!” yelled this virus, who had woken up for the third time. The echoes of the Chronics’ chants still bounced off the walls of his mind. They were giving him headaches that prevented him from falling asleep. But this virus figured it was a good thing anyways, because the only sleep he got came in the form of nightmares.

The thing was, the nightmares also featured guest stars: hepatitis A and hepatitis C. They really stole the spotlight with their melodies and harmonies of varying pitches in screams, shouts, and curses. This virus would’ve admired this aggressive form of music if it wasn’t directed towards him.

Was him not being able to produce symptoms that bad? This virus didn’t think it was all that bad, but if normally calm cousin hepatitis A was able to flip a table last night, then perhaps it was quite bad.

All this chaos left this virus quite confused, though. Born believing himself as an Acute, this virus never questioned the reason as to why he existed. Did he exist simply to eat and sleep, or was there something more to life? Was he here to be happy, to infect, or to populate the humans with infectious disease?

The bigger question was this: what was the purpose of life?

This virus almost give himself another migraine just thinking about this, so he decided it was time to stop contemplating and start confronting. It was time to put these nightmares in the past and keep treading forward.

Thus, this virus stepped out his door with renewed determination. He was not going to let everyone get to him. He was the amazing asymptomatic hepatitis B virus.

This amazing virus sauntered his way up the block and towards the first virus he saw. It was the Acute virus who would normally say good morning to him. This virus decided it was time that he be the one to say good morning.

“Good morning, Acute!” this virus called out with a smile. “How are you doing?”

The Acute hepatitis B virus looked surprised, and pointed a finger towards himself. “Me?” he asked. This virus nodded.

“Actually, can I ask you a question?” the amazing one asked.

The Acute virus hesitantly nodded.

“What’s the purpose of life?”

“Did I hear you correctly?”

“Yes.”

“Well,” the Acute virus slowly started. “As Acute viruses, our purpose is to become a Chronic. We must always strive to become as deadly and as powerful as them.”

This virus pondered. “But what’s so good about a Chronic virus? Why would you want to be one?”

The Acute was not so impressed. “You insolent virus! Stop pushing for answers! You’re just jealous.” Then, the Acute virus slammed the door in his face.

And this virus, on the other hand, felt his amazing-o-meter slowly deplete. But still he pushed for answers, because his next victim was a Chronic.

“Mr. Chronic, sir!” said this virus, who hastened to match the pace of the Chronic virus. The Chronic’s pace seemed to increase with every step, yet this virus was persistent and went straight for the kill. “What’s the purpose of life?”

The Chronic slowed down every so slightly and peered curiously down at this virus. “Why do you ask?”

This virus must’ve made a funny expression because the Chronic virus gave a small smile before schooling his expression back down to a blank canvas. “As a Chronic, I must say that the purpose of my life is to infect until humans are no more.”

This virus gave it some thought and asked, “But sir, why can’t viruses and humans peacefully coexist? I mean, our survival does depend on humans…” He trailed off when he saw the stiff expression on the Chronic’s face.

“What nonsense are you spewing?” the Chronic spit out. “Humans are the reason we can’t peacefully exist! We must always worry if the humans have another trick up their sleeve in their attempt to vanquish our species! You,” the Chronic cries while pointing to this virus, “You are an abomination! What fuels your thoughts, As? Don’t you see the pain humans have inflicted upon us? They have upturned our home, removed it, even, just to replace it with another one. We suffer, and you want us to peacefully coexist?”

This virus didn’t have a filter. “But sir, we viruses can only survive seven days outside the human body, and humans are the only known host that we may live on! We don’t have any other options, sir, but I believe if we stop producing symptoms, the humans may forget about us and leave us alone!”

The Chronic raged, “Get away from me, you As! Get out of my sight!”

This virus fled into the night.

#iii

Chapter 3: Data Sheet

How is it Spread?:

HBV is spread through direct contact with infected blood and body fluids (ie. semen). Since blood levels of HBV are high in infected persons - much higher than HIV -, it is easy to transmit.

Sexual contact:

The virus can be transmitted through having unprotected sex with an infected person. This will happen when semen, vaginal secretions, saliva, or blood, enter the body.

Sharing needles:

HBV is easily transmitted through needles and syringes contaminated with infected blood. Sharing intravenous (IV) drug paraphernalia puts you at high risk of hepatitis B due to exposure to blood and unsanitary conditions.

Accidental needle sticks:

Through contact with infected human blood.

Mother to child:

Infected pregnant women can pass on the virus during childbirth. However, newborns can be vaccinated to prevent transmission.

Unlike other viruses (ie. rhinovirus), you cannot be infected by the Hepatitis B Virus through being around infected persons who may sneeze or cough, or having casual contact (ie. shaking hands) with them. Kissing or being breastfed by an infected person will also not caused the virus to be transmitted unless they are open sores or cuts. Transmission through the sharing of food or water is also not possible.

Where:

HBV is common worldwide:

Sub-saharan Africa and East Asia - most prevalent (between 5–10% of the adult population is chronically infected)

Eastern Europe

Central and Southeast Asia

Western Europe and North America (Less than 1% of the population chronically infected)

Who:

People at greatest risk for HBV infection are:

injection drug users

people who have multiple sex partners

men who have sex with men

infants born to infected mothers

health workers

Children under 6 years of age are most at risk for chronic infection of the hepatitis b virus.

In the U.S., hepatitis B is most common in people ages 25 to 44.

Approximately 350 million people worldwide are infected with HBV.

#iii.ii

Chapter 4: The Asymptomatic Hepatitis B Virus Has A Family

This virus didn’t know if it was possible for viruses to develop illnesses, but he felt like he had depression. He hadn’t wanted to get out of bed this morning, but he forced himself to go through his daily routines. Still, no amount of routines and habits could erase the scornful words of hate he had received the past few days. Everything was catching up to him now, but life to him still felt surreal.

Had he really let his family know that he was asymptomatic? Had he really talked back to a Chronic, and had he really been shunned by his family, the Acutes?

It was a yes, yes, and yes to all of those questions.

He groaned. He really needed to get out of here. He was sick of the judgement, and he was sick of never fitting in. He needed to start fresh where no one would know him. Then, he would no longer be under any pressure to fit in.

Thus, this virus rolled out of bed and out his front door. He did feel sad despite all that had happened recently, but he felt that it was necessary to leave. Sadly, he gave one last look towards his home, the liver, and then proceeded travelling wherever his gut led him to.

His gut made him follow the bloodstream next to his home. He was still in the liver, but he could sense that the further he walked, the further away he was from his home and all the other viruses. The cells around this area were not infected like they were back home, where hardly any cells left were uninfected.

When night came around, this virus made sure to hide himself from the many white blood cells that patrolled the area. However, as good as he hid himself, this virus remained paranoid that a white blood cell would find and attack him. Thus, this virus would only sleep for a few hours before waking up and continuing his journey to find peace. He was pretty much a zombie.

After days of this horrid pattern, this virus encountered something shocking. He had entered an area with newly infected liver cells much like the ones at home, however these cells did not seem to produce any symptoms.

This virus had not felt such immense hope in such a long time. His heart heaved with anticipation, and his mind was overwhelmed with the possibility that there was perhaps just one other virus who was just like him. That would be his paradise.

He slowly crept forward towards the cells and gazed at them in wonder. They were similar to the ones at home, but to him, these cells were gems that could potentially be the answer to his happiness.

Cautiously, he stroked the surface of the cells. These cells - they were real, correct? This virus hoped with all his heart that it wasn’t just a messed-up dream made up with wishful thinking. He hoped this was real, but it was hard to believe that when everything in life just seemed to go against him.

His heart deflated as quickly as it had filled with hope. Perhaps he was just delusional? He exhaled. That must be it. Sadly, this virus retracted his hand from the cell. He gave one last wistful look before-

“Hey, you there! What are you doing!” a voice interrupted his thoughts.

He whipped around to face the source of the voice. He was going to issue an apology and continue on his journey elsewhere. He was going to be remorseful and forget this and-

His thoughts stopped. Was he going crazy? He pinched himself, and the pain reminded him that he was very much alive and in reality.

In front of him stood a carbon copy of him. Was this-?

“Hi,” the virus in front of him suddenly seemed a bit shy. “What are you doing in these parts? Are you,” the virus hesitated before continuing, “are you a hepatitis B virus?”

This virus nodded slowly.

“Are you… asymptomatic?”

This virus nodded faster.

“Are you… Acute?”

This virus was on the verge of crying, but nevertheless, he managed to squeeze out a “Yes!”

The other virus grinned and extended his arms. This virus did not even hesitate before diving into his arms and hugging him back. “Thank you, thank you,” this virus whispered. His mantra was cut short by the other virus.

“Welcome home, brother.”

#iv

Chapter 4: Data Sheet

Proactive Treatment:

Hepatitis B vaccine:

Two HBV vaccines are available: Recombivax HB and Engerix-B.

All infants should get the vaccine within 24 hours, followed-up by 2 or 3 doses to complete the primary series.

The complete vaccine series induces protective antibody levels in more than 95% of infants, children and young adults. Protection lasts at least 20 years and is probably lifelong.

It is 95% effective in preventing infection and the development of chronic disease and liver cancer due to hepatitis B.

Precautions:

Avoid sharing needles/syringes, spoons, drug solutions or water, filters, cookers, pipes, straws used for snorting drugs, and other drug related equipment.

Safe sex: Use condoms/dental dams to reduce the risk of acquiring HBV.

Sterile Equipment: Avoid dental, medical or cosmetic procedures that penetrate the skin (ie. tattooing) unless you are certain that the needles, materials and equipment are sterile.

Wear personal protective equipment (ie. latex gloves) when in contact with someone else's blood or bodily fluids.

Don't share personal items like razors, scissors, nail clippers or toothbrushes.

Take all precautions when travelling to countries with high rates of HBV infection.

Reactive Treatment:

Treatment to prevent infection after exposure:

Get an injection of hepatitis B immune globulin within 12 hours of coming in contact with the virus may help stop development of infection. You can get this even if you are previously vaccinated.

For Acute Hepatitis B:

Treatment may not be needed. Simply rest and take in adequate nutrition and fluids while your body fights the infection.

For Chronic Hepatitis B:

Take antiviral medications: lamivudine (Epivir), adefovir (Hepsera), telbivudine (Tyzeka) and entecavir (Baraclude). They can help fight the virus and slow its ability to damage your liver.

Interferon alfa-2b (Intron A) is a synthetic version of a substance produced by the body to fight infection. Take this if you do not want to undergo long-term treatment, or want to get pregnant in the near future. Side effects may include depression, difficulty breathing and chest tightness.

Get a liver transplant. This is only if your liver is severely damaged beyond realistic salvation.

Currently, there are other drugs in development.

#iv.ii

Interesting Facts

Hepatitis B infections have declined substantially since 1991 when a strategy to eliminate HBV transmission through immunization was started.

It is one of a few known non-retroviral viruses. They use reverse transcription as a part of its replication process.

HBV can survive without a host for 7 days and still be capable of causing infection.

An estimated 240 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis B.

More than 686 000 people die every year due to complications of hepatitis B, including cirrhosis and liver cancer.

The hepatitis B virus is 100 times more infectious than HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

All Research

Virus and scientific name: Hepatitis B virus (HBV)

Genus: Orthohepadnavirus

Family: Hepadnaviridae

Organism it Infects:

The only known natural hosts for the hepatitis B virus are humans. Although, other animals (ie. chimpanzees) have been able to host it in laboratory settings.

Usually, it will infect a human’s liver cells (hepatocytes), which causes our immune system to respond by targeting those infected liver cells, resulting in liver inflammation (hepatitis).

How is it Spread?:

HBV is spread through direct contact with infected blood and body fluids (ie. semen). Since blood levels of HBV are high in infected persons - much higher than HIV -, it is easy to transmit.

Sexual contact:

The virus can be transmitted through having unprotected sex with an infected person. This will happen when semen, vaginal secretions, saliva, or blood, enter the body.

Sharing needles:

Accidental needle sticks:

Through contact with infected human blood.

Mother to child:

Infected pregnant women can pass on the virus during childbirth. However, newborns can be vaccinated to prevent transmission.

Where:

HBV is common worldwide:

Sub-saharan Africa and East Asia - most prevalent (between 5–10% of the adult population is chronically infected)

Eastern Europe

Central and Southeast Asia

Western Europe and North America (Less than 1% of the population chronically infected)

Who:

People at greatest risk for HBV infection are:

injection drug users

people who have multiple sex partners

men who have sex with men

infants born to infected mothers

health workers

Children under 6 years of age are most at risk for chronic infection of the hepatitis b virus.

In the U.S., hepatitis B is most common in people ages 25 to 44.

Approximately 350 million people worldwide are infected with HBV.

Symptoms:

HBV is a noncytopathic virus. This means that the virus itself does not cause direct damage to liver cells. Instead, it is the immune system’s aggressive response to the virus that usually leads to inflammation and damage to the liver (hepatitis). However, it can cause damage to liver cell’s genetic material.

There are usually two types of infection:

1. Acute - lasts less than six months

Abdominal pain

Dark urine

Fever

Joint pain

Loss of appetite

Nausea and vomiting

Weakness and fatigue

Yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice)

Rare - acute liver failure

2. Chronic - lasts six months or longer (or for a lifetime)

The risk for chronic hepatitis b is depends on age. The younger the age, the more likely that the infection will become chronic (<6 years old is at greatest risk).

Mild liver disease - no long term morbidity or mortality.

Active disease - can progress into cirrhosis (scarring of liver) and liver cancer. There is also possibility of kidney disease, inflammation of blood vessels and anemia.

Around 1/3 of the people with chronic HBV infection will ultimately develop a long-term consequence of the disease, such as cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease, or HCC.

For people with severe chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis, the 5-year survival rate is about 50%.

Number of Strains:

HBV genotypes B and C are common in Asia

Genotypes A and D occur frequently in Europe.

Genotypes F and H are found in Central and South America.

US: see genotypes A, B, C, and D.

Finding out the HBV genotype may have some value when choosing treatments for hepatitis B. But there is debate over whether or not knowing the genotype is important.

Lytic or Lysogenic:

The HBV undergoes the lysogenic cycle to reproduce.

The virus gains entry into the liver cell (hepatocyte) by binding to a receptor on the surface of the cell and enters it.

Then, the viral capsid delivers the viral genome (relaxed circular DNA, rcDNA) to the nucleus where it is converted by host enzymes into cccDNA, which functions as a mini-chromosome.

The cccDNA mini-chromosome then serves as template for the production and replication of new viral components.

The HBV Core protein accumulates in the cytoplasm where it is used to make the new copies of the genome and to make the capsid core protein and the viral DNA polymerase.

Capsid assemblies with either leave as new infectious viral particles or return to the infected nucleus, continuing the cycle and prolonging infection.

Proactive Treatment:

Hepatitis B vaccine:

Two HBV vaccines are available: Recombivax HB and Engerix-B.

All infants should get the vaccine within 24 hours, followed-up by 2 or 3 doses to complete the primary series.

The complete vaccine series induces protective antibody levels in more than 95% of infants, children and young adults. Protection lasts at least 20 years and is probably lifelong.

It is 95% effective in preventing infection and the development of chronic disease and liver cancer due to hepatitis B.

Precautions:

Avoid sharing needles/syringes, spoons, drug solutions or water, filters, cookers, pipes, straws used for snorting drugs, and other drug related equipment.

Safe sex: Use condoms/dental dams to reduce the risk of acquiring HBV.

Sterile Equipment: Avoid dental, medical or cosmetic procedures that penetrate the skin (ie. tattooing) unless you are certain that the needles, materials and equipment are sterile.

Wear personal protective equipment (ie. latex gloves) when in contact with someone else’s blood or bodily fluids.

Don’t share personal items like razors, scissors, nail clippers or toothbrushes.

Take all precautions when travelling to countries with high rates of HBV infection.

Reactive Treatment:

Treatment to prevent infection after exposure:

Get an injection of hepatitis B immune globulin within 12 hours of coming in contact with the virus may help stop development of infection. You can get this even if you are previously vaccinated.

For Acute Hepatitis B:

Treatment may not be needed. Simply rest and take in adequate nutrition and fluids while your body fights the infection.

For Chronic Hepatitis B:

Take antiviral medications: lamivudine (Epivir), adefovir (Hepsera), telbivudine (Tyzeka) and entecavir (Baraclude). They can help fight the virus and slow its ability to damage your liver.

Get a liver transplant. This is only if your liver is severely damaged beyond realistic salvation.

Currently, there are other drugs in development.

Interesting Facts:

Hepatitis B infections have declined substantially since 1991 when a strategy to eliminate HBV transmission through immunization was started.

It is one of a few known non-retroviral viruses. They use reverse transcription as a part of its replication process.

HBV can survive without a host for 7 days and still be capable of causing infection.

An estimated 240 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis B.

More than 686 000 people die every year due to complications of hepatitis B, including cirrhosis and liver cancer.

The hepatitis B virus is 100 times more infectious than HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

#all research

#:)#hepatitis b jokes

References

"Facts about Hepatitis B for Adults." Adult Vaccination. National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, Jan. 2012. Web. 09 Dec. 2016. <http://www.adultvaccination.org/vpd/hepb/facts.html#sthash.uHhww4Zx.dpuf>.

"HBV Lifecycle." Novira Therapeutics. Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies, 2016. Web. 9 Dec. 2016. <https://noviratherapeutics.com/technology/hbv-lifecycle/>.

"Hepatitis B - Get The Facts." PublicHealth. Public Health Agency of Canada, 22 Sept. 2014. Web. 09 Dec. 2016. <http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/hcai-iamss/bbp-pts/hepatitis/hep_b-eng.php>.

"Hepatitis B Virus." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 21 Nov. 2016. Web. 09 Dec. 2016. <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hepatitis_B_virus>.

"Hepatitis B." World Health Organization. World Health Organization, July 2016. Web. 09 Dec. 2016. <http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs204/en/>.

"HIV and Hepatitis B (HBV)." POZ. POZ Magazine, 14 Feb. 2016. Web. 09 Dec. 2016. <https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/hiv-hepatitis-b-hbv?utm_campaign=301_Redirect&utm_source=aidsmeds>.

Liang, T. Jake. "Hepatitis B: The Virus and Disease." Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.). U.S. National Library of Medicine, May 2009. Web. 09 Dec. 2016. <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2809016/>.

"The Lytic and Lysogenic Cycles of Bacteriophages." Boundless. Boundless Biology, 8 Aug. 2016. Web. 09 Dec. 2016. <https://www.boundless.com/biology/textbooks/boundless-biology-textbook/viruses-21/virus-infections-and-hosts-137/the-lytic-and-lysogenic-cycles-of-bacteriophages-553-11763/>.

Mayo Clinic Staff. "Hepatitis B." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 29 Aug. 2014. Web. 09 Dec. 2016. <http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hepatitis-b/basics/symptoms/con-20022210>.

"Patient Stories." Hepatitis B Foundation. Hepatitis B Foundation, 2016. Web. 09 Dec. 2016. <http://www.hepb.org/resources-and-support/patient-stories/>.

Titis, and Ju. "Hepatitis B: Are You At Risk?" Hepatitis B (2012): n. pag. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 31 May 2015. Web. 9 Dec. 2016. <http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hbv/pdfs/hepbatrisk.pdf>.

Zuckerman, Arie J. "Chapter 70: Hepatitis Viruses." Medical Microbiology. 4th ed. Galveston (TX): U of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 1996. N. pag. Medical Microbiology. 4th Edition. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 01 Jan. 1996. Web. 09 Dec. 2016. <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK7864/>..

#references

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