• Jaundice
• Joint and body pain
• Rash

Diagnosis
Diagnosis is the same as for other types of hepatitis, but the blood test reveals the HBV antigen.

Treatment
Drug therapy for HBV consists of interferon alfa-2b and, recently, lamivudine, two antiviral agents given intramuscularly that stop the virus from reproducing and support the immune system. Lamivudine is also a first-line treatment for HIV. If given within 2 weeks of exposure, immune globulin (IG) may be effective in 75% to 95% of people who are not vaccinated. Side effects include flu-like symptoms.

Prevention
HBV prevention includes safer sex; avoiding used drug, tattoo, and piercing needles; and vaccination. The vaccination consists of the initial dose, another at 1 month, and the final one at 6 months. There are currently no recommendations for booster shots for this vaccine.

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Overview
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis C

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