An Information Sheet of the American Liver Foundation . The information contained in this sheet is provided for information only. This information does not constitute medical advice and it should not be relied upon as such. ALF, under no circumstances, recommends particular treatments for specific individuals, and in all cases recommends that you consult your physician before pursuing any course of treatment. Infection with this virus is much more prevalent than HIV, the AIDS virus.
Most adults fight off the infection themselves.
Liver disease due to chronic hepatitis B, including primary liver cancer, is responsible for 5,000 to 6,000 deaths per year. The hepatitis B virus is transmitted by exposure to body fluids of an infected person. These body fluids include blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and saliva. You can protect yourself against hepatitis B with a safe and effective vaccine. To be fully protected, you must complete the full vaccine series of three injections.