Hepatitis B is very common in Asian and Asian Pacific Islander populations. Recent studies show that 13% to 15% of Asians are Helatitis B chronic carriers, who have the highest risk of developing chronic cirrhosis or liver cancer.

Only a physician can tell you if you have Hepatitis B, because the disease is usually silent or without symptoms. Transmission from mother to child during the birthing process can occur if the baby is not vaccinated during the first 24 hours of life. For a healthy person, the Hepatitis B vaccination can provide 90% to 95% protection. The Hepatitis B vaccination is a series of 3 shots: one initially, one a month later, and the third at 6 months.