Anyone can get infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV), including your child. The hepatitis B vaccine is the best way to protect your child from becoming infected. Read on for more information from the American Academy of Pediatrics about how HBV is spread and why the hepatitis B vaccine is so important.
Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver. It is caused by HBV. Hepatitis B virus can cause lifelong HBV infection and can lead to liver cancer or permanent scarring of the liver (cirrhosis). More than 1 million people in the United States are living with lifelong HBV infection.
Hepatitis B virus is spread by blood or body fluids. Here are ways exposure to these fluids can happen.
You may feel your child will never be exposed to HBV in any of these ways. Here are some facts about HBV to think about.
People with HBV can pass...
