Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). In some, this infection can become chronic, meaning it lasts more than six months. Having chronic hepatitis B increases your risk of developing liver failure, liver cancer or cirrhosis — a condition that permanently scars of the liver. Some ways people can become infected with the virus include: 1. Birth (spread from a mother who has hepatitis B to her baby during birth) 2. S3x with a partner who has hepatitis B 3. Sharing needles, syringes, or drug preparation equipment 4. Sharing items such as toothbrushes, razors, or medical equipment (like a glucose monitor) with a person who has hepatitis B 5. Direct contact with the blood or open sores of a person who has hepatitis B 6. Exposure to the blood from a person who has hepatitis B through needlesticks or other sharp instruments There are various ways to prevent getting infected with HBV including getting the hepatitis B vaccine which is typicall...