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'''Hepatitis B''' is a viral [[disease]] transmitted by exposure to infected [[blood]] or [[blood]] products (such as [[blood]] transfusions), saliva, or through unprotected sex with someone who is infected.<ref>http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/about/terms/glossary.htm#h</ref>

'''Hepatitis B''' is a viral [[disease]] transmitted by exposure to infected [[blood]] or [[blood]] products (such as [[blood]] transfusions), saliva, or through unprotected sex with someone who is infected.<ref>http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/about/terms/glossary.htm#h</ref>

As with [[AIDS]], Hepatitis B is not contagious from casual contact, however [[Hepatitis B virus|Hepatitis B]] is a resilient virus which can live outside the body for up to seven days under certain conditions<ref>http://www.pkids.org/pdf/phr/02-01hbv.pdf</ref> as opposed to HIV which can only survive outside the body for a few hours<ref>http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/resources/qa/qa35.htm</ref>.  

As with [[AIDS]], Hepatitis B is not contagious from casual contact, however [[Hepatitis B virus|Hepatitis B]] is a resilient virus which can live outside the body for up to seven days under certain conditions<ref>http://www.pkids.org/pdf/phr/02-01hbv.pdf</ref> as opposed to HIV which can only survive outside the body for a few hours.<ref>http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/resources/qa/qa35.htm</ref>   

==Vaccine==

==Vaccine==

The [[Hepatitis B vaccine]] has been available since 1982 and is effective in preventing long term Hepatitis B infection in 80 - 95% of vaccinated individuals. <ref>http://www.cdc.gov/MMWR/PREVIEW/MMWRHTML/00033405.htm</ref>  The vaccine is effective in both pre and post-exposure cases.  The CDC and WHO recommend vaccination for all health care workers, people who may come into contact with bodily fluids, and children. <ref>Ibid</ref>

The [[Hepatitis B vaccine]] has been available since 1982 and is effective in preventing long term Hepatitis B infection in 80 - 95% of vaccinated individuals.<ref>http://www.cdc.gov/MMWR/PREVIEW/MMWRHTML/00033405.htm</ref>  The vaccine is effective in both pre and post-exposure cases.  The CDC and WHO recommend vaccination for all health care workers, people who may come into contact with bodily fluids, and children.<ref>Ibid</ref>

== See also ==

== See also ==