Hepatitis B is a viral disease of the liver. Some people are infected, but never feel sick at all. The virus is found in blood, saliva, and sexual fluids. Although most people get rid of the virus after a few months, some people cannot clear the virus from their bodies.
Most carriers remain infectious for life.
Between 3 and 10 of every 100 teenagers who are infected with hepatitis B become carriers. Carriers are at a much higher risk of developing liver cancer and other potentially deadly liver problems. As a rule, carriers don't look or feel ill. If you want to protect yourself, you can get a series of three shots, spread over six months, to prevent this disease. Avoiding risky behaviors also reduces your risk of infection.