How It Is Spread - Via vaginal, oral, and anal intercourse, and kissing. Carried in vaginal secretions, pre-ejaculate, semen, saliva, and blood. They can include headache, extreme fatigue, nausea, and tenderness in the lower abdomen. Later, when the disease beings to affect the liver, it can cause jaundice and extreme liver dysfunction. While symptoms generally clear within 4-8 weeks, the infected person carries the virus for the rest of his or her life.
Some people stay infectious, while others never are after the initial illness.
HBV is the only viral STI preventable with a vaccine. Get vaccinated, and protect yourself by using latex or polyeurethane condoms during vaginal or anal intercourse. Here is a question and answer about HBV and the vaccine. For more information, see The Hepatitis B Foundation . Carried in semen, pre-ejaculate, vaginal secretions, blood, and breast milk.