Hepatitis B

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Hepatitis B

The hepatitis B virus can cause a short term (acute) infection, which may or may not cause symptoms. Following an acute infection, a minority of infected adults (but most infected babies) develop a persistent infection called chronic hepatitis B. Many people with chronic hepatitis B remain well, but can still pass on the virus to others (as they are 'carriers'). Some develop serious liver problems. The virus is mainly passed on by sexual contact, sharing needles to inject drugs, or from mother to baby.

What does the liver do?

The liver is in the upper right part of the abdomen. It has many functions which include:

Storing glycogen (fuel for the body) which is made from sugars. When required, glycogen is broken down into glucose which is released into the bloodstream.
Helping to process fats and proteins from digested food.
Making proteins that are essential for blood to clot (clotting factors).
Processing many medicines which you may take.
Helping to remove or process alcohol, poisons and toxins from the body.
Making bile which passes from the liver to the gut and helps to digest fats.