Hepatitis B Hep B

Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. It can be acute (short-term, lasting less than six months) or chronic (long-term, lasting more than six months). While most adults recover fully, infants and children are more likely to develop chronic hepatitis B. Chronic hepatitis B increases the risk of liver failure, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Acute hepatitis B can sometimes be asymptomatic and resolve without treatment, while chronic hepatitis B can lead to severe liver damage.