• Infection caused by hepatitis B virus of less than 6 months duration
• Affects the liver
• Symptoms may include dark urine, yellow coloring of the skin and eyes, tiredness, nausea and vomiting and right upper abdominal pain
• Commonly spread by sexual contact with infected person or contact with infected blood
• Can also be spread from mother to infant during childbirth
• Affects males and females
• Can occur at any age but infants are at highest risk to develop long-term disease
• May be mild without symptoms to severe

• If exposed, get hepatitis B immune globulin within 24 hours
• Avoid alcohol
• Avoid any medicines that cause liver damage
• Eat small, frequent meals early in the day
• Maintain a healthy diet
• Get plenty of rest
• Exercise regularly
• Practice safe sex
• Do not share needles or syringes
• Be cautious of blood products

FOR PAIN

• Apply hot or cold packs to the area
• Relaxation techniques
• Distraction
• Over-the-counter medicine (refer to manufacturer’s recommendations for dosage):
  • Acetaminophen
  • Ibuprofen

FOR NAUSEA

• Drink clear or ice-cold drinks (avoid drinks high in sugar)
• Eat light, bland foods (crackers or plain bread)
• Avoid fried, greasy, or sweet foods
• Eat slowly and eat smaller, more frequent meals
• Do not mix hot and cold foods
• Avoid activity after eating
• Over-the-counter medicine (refer to manufacturer’s recommendations for dosage):
  • Diphenhydramine
  • Cyclizine
  • Dimenhydrinate
  • Meclizine