TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Causes of Hepatitis B
2. Risk Factors
3. Symptoms of Hepatitis B
4. How Is Hepatitis B Diagnosed?
5. Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Screening with Halodoc Home Lab
6. Treatment Options for Hepatitis B
7. Prevention of Hepatitis B
8. FAQs

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Hepatitis B is a contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). 

It can appear as an acute illness shortly after exposure or progress into a chronic condition that lasts a lifetime and may lead to severe liver complications. 

While acute hepatitis B is more common in adults, chronic infections are often found in infants and young children. 

The good news is, hepatitis B can be effectively prevented through vaccination, which also helps reduce the risk of transmission.

Causes of Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is caused by HBV, which spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids such as blood, semen, and vaginal secretions. It is not spread through casual contact like sneezing or coughing.

Common ways HBV is transmitted:

• Sexual contact: Unprotected sex increases the risk of transmission.
• Shared needles: Using contaminated needles, especially in intravenous drug use, spreads the virus easily.
• Mother to baby: Infected mothers can pass the virus to their babies during childbirth.

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase your risk of contracting hepatitis B:

• Having unprotected sex with multiple partners.
• Sharing needles during drug use.
• Living with someone who has chronic hepatitis B.
• Being born to an HBV-infected mother.
• Working in healthcare or environments with exposure to human blood
• Traveling to areas with high HBV prevalence (e.g., parts of Africa, Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe).

Symptoms of Hepatitis B

Many people with hepatitis B may not show symptoms, especially children. When symptoms do appear, they usually develop within 2–5 months after exposure.

Common symptoms include:

• Dark-colored urine
• Pale stools
• Fatigue
• Mild fever
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Joint pain
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Skin rashes
• Spider-like blood vessels under the skin

In many cases, symptoms do not appear until complications develop.

When to See a Doctor?

If you’re at high risk or experiencing symptoms of hepatitis B, seek medical evaluation immediately. 

Early screening can prevent complications and allow timely treatment.

How Is Hepatitis B Diagnosed?

Doctors typically diagnose hepatitis B through a combination of the following:

• Blood tests: To detect HBV and assess infection severity.
• Liver ultrasound (elastography): To evaluate liver damage.
• Liver biopsy: A small tissue sample is taken with a thin needle for lab testing.

Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Screening with Halodoc Home Lab

Unprotected sex is a major transmission route for HBV. Halodoc offers STD screening packages, including hepatitis B testing, done conveniently at your home.

Why choose Halodoc Homecare?

• No need to leave home
• Certified medical staff
• Fast results and strict safety protocols
• Sample collection is safe and sterile
• Affordable packages from Rp 599,000
• Includes consultation with a doctor

Available in: Jabodetabek, Bandung, Yogyakarta, Semarang, Surabaya, and Denpasar.

Treatment Options for Hepatitis B

Treatment depends on the stage and severity of infection:

Post-exposure Treatment

• HBV immunoglobulin injection within 12 hours of exposure.
• Followed by hepatitis B vaccination for long-term protection.

Acute Hepatitis B

• Often resolves on its own.
• Treatment includes rest, proper nutrition, and hydration.

Chronic Hepatitis B

• Antiviral medications: Like tenofovir, entecavir, or lamivudine, to suppress the virus.
• Interferon injections: Not suitable for pregnant women due to side effects.
• Liver transplant: For end-stage liver failure.

Possible Complications

If untreated, chronic hepatitis B may lead to:

• Cirrhosis (liver scarring)
• Liver cancer
• Liver failure
• Kidney issues or blood vessel inflammation.

Prevention of Hepatitis B

The best way to prevent hepatitis B is through vaccination. The vaccine is safe, effective, and recommended for:

• Newborns (especially from HBV-positive mothers)
• Sexual partners or household members of infected individuals
• Healthcare workers
• Frequent travelers to high-risk regions
• People with chronic liver or kidney disease
• Individuals with multiple sex partners or same-sex partners
• People who share needles

Don’t hesitate to contact our English-speaking doctor on Halodoc to get more detailed information about hepatitis B.

You can reach a doctor directly from your smartphone using the Halodoc app. Doctors are available 24 hours to answer your questions.

You can also purchase 100% original and trusted health products from the Halodoc Health Store. No need to leave home, delivery in just 1 hour!

So, what are you waiting for? Download the Halodoc app on Play Store or App Store today!

References:
Mayo Clinic. Accessed 2025. Hepatitis B.
Hepatitis B Foundation. Accessed 2025. What Is Hepatitis B?.
National Library of Medicine. Accessed 2025. Educational Case: Hepatitis B Virus.

FAQs

1. What causes hepatitis B?

It’s caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), which spreads via infected blood, semen, or other bodily fluids.

2. Is hepatitis B contagious?

Yes, it can spread through:

• Unprotected sex
• Shared needles
• Mother-to-child transmission during childbirth

3. Can people with hepatitis B live a normal life?

Yes. Acute cases often resolve on their own. Chronic cases require long-term care but can be managed effectively with treatment.

4. Can hepatitis B be cured?

Acute infections often clear up naturally. Chronic hepatitis B isn’t always curable but can be controlled with medication. In severe cases, a liver transplant may be required.