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1. What is Hepatitis B (HBV)?
Hepatitis B is a serious infectious disease caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) that causes inflammation of the liver. It can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). Chronic infections can cause serious complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.

2. How is HBV transmitted?
HBV is transmitted through contact with the blood, semen or other body fluids of an infected person. The main routes of transmission are:
  • From mother to baby during birth: The most common route of transmission.
  • Unprotected sexual contact: Unprotected intercourse with an infected partner.
  • Sharing of injection equipment: Use of unsterile needles.
  • Contact with infected blood or body fluids: Open wounds or mucosal contact. HBV is not transmitted through water, food, coughing or sneezing.

3. What are the symptoms of HBV infection?
Acute HBV infection usually does not cause symptoms; but some people may experience:
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Abdominal pain, especially in the right upper quadrant
  • Dark urine
  • Light-colored stools
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) Chronic infections usually have no symptoms, but can lead to liver damage over the years.

4. How can I protect myself from HBV infection?
To protect myself from HBV:
  • Get vaccinated: The HBV vaccine provides the most effective protection against infection.
  • Avoid unprotected sexual intercourse: Using a condom is important.
  • Do not use unsterile needles and equipment: Be especially careful when getting a tattoo or piercing.
  • Avoid contact with the blood or body fluids of infected people: Do not share personal hygiene products.

5. Who should get HBV vaccination?
HBV vaccination is recommended for especially high-risk groups:
  • Newborn babies: Should be vaccinated immediately after birth.
  • Healthcare workers: Those at high risk of exposure to infected blood and body fluids.
  • Those in close contact with infected people: Family members or roommates.
  • Those with multiple sexual partners or those at high risk of sexually transmitted infections.
  • Injection drug users.
  • Dialysis patients.

6. Can HBV infection be treated?
Acute HBV infection usually resolves on its own and does not require specific treatment. Antiviral drugs are available for people with chronic HBV infection; however, these drugs do not completely eliminate the virus, they only prevent the virus from multiplying and reduce liver damage. A healthcare professional should be consulted to decide on treatment.

7. Can HBV be transmitted from mother to baby?
Yes, HBV-infected mothers can transmit the virus to their babies during birth. Therefore, the risk of transmission can be greatly reduced by administering HBV vaccine and Hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) to babies of HBV carrier mothers immediately after birth.

8. How is HBV vaccine administered?
HBV vaccine is usually administered in three doses:
  • 1st dose: On a selected date.
  • 2nd dose: One month after the first dose.
  • 3. dose: Six months after the first dose. In some cases, especially in high-risk groups, different vaccination schedules may be applied.

9. Are there different vaccination schedules for different groups?
Yes, alternative vaccination schedules are available for some groups:
  • Neonates: At birth, 1 month and 6 months.
  • Adults: At 0, 1 and 6 months.
  • Situations requiring rapid vaccination: At 0, 1 and 2 months, then a booster dose at 12 months. The vaccination schedule should be determined according to the individual's risk status and health history.

10. What does HBV carrier mean?
HBV carrier is a person who has the virus in their body but does not have any obvious symptoms. These people can transmit the virus to others and are at risk of liver damage over time.

11. Does HBV infection cause liver cancer?
Yes, people with chronic HBV infection have an increased risk of developing liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma). Therefore, regular follow-up and necessary treatments are important.

12. Can a person with HBV infection live a normal life?
Yes, especially with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, people with HBV infection can live a normal life. Regular doctor check-ups and healthy lifestyle choices are important.

13. What are the side effects of the HBV vaccine?
The HBV vaccine is generally safe. Common side effects include pain at the injection site, mild fever and fatigue. Serious side effects are rare.

14. Is immunity acquired after HBV infection?
People who have had acute HBV infection and recovered usually gain lifelong immunity. However, immunity may not develop in those who have chronic infection.

15. Can a mother with HBV infection breastfeed?
Yes, HBV-infected mothers can breastfeed their babies. However, the baby should receive HBV vaccine and HBIG at birth. Caution should be exercised if there is a crack or bleeding in the nipple during breastfeeding.

16. Can someone with HBV infection consume alcohol?
Alcohol puts additional strain on the liver and can increase liver damage in people with HBV infection. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid alcohol consumption.

17. Can someone with HBV infection have a child?
Yes, but a doctor should be consulted and necessary precautions should be taken before planning a pregnancy. Postpartum vaccination and HBIG should be administered due to the risk of HBV transmission to the baby during birth.

18. Can someone with HBV infection do sports?
Yes, but it is important to avoid excessive exertion and follow the doctor's recommendations. Liver functions should be monitored regularly.

19. What foods and drinks should someone with HBV infection avoid?
Alcohol and drugs that can damage the liver should be avoided. A balanced and healthy diet is recommended.

20. How often should someone with HBV infection see a doctor?
People with chronic HBV infection should see a doctor regularly (usually every 6 to 12 months) to monitor their liver function and prevent complications.

This section contains the most frequently asked questions and answers about HBV infection. It is important to consult a health care professional for more information or questions about your personal health.