Hepatitis B, or HepB, is a viral liver infection that is spread through blood and body fluids. The virus can survive for up to 7 days on surfaces and objects. People who have HepB do not always know they have the infection because it is possible to be asymptomatic (no symptoms). About half of people with HepB don’t realize they have it! These individuals can unknowingly spread the virus to others. Even when the infection does not have symptoms, it still causes damage to the

WHAT IS JAUNDICE? Jaundice is a medical condition where the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow. The yellow color comes from a buildup of a substance called bilirubin. Bilirubin is a normal byproduct produced when red blood cells get broken down. Bilirubin is normally processed by the liver. However, a baby’s liver is not fully developed and is unable to handle all the bilirubin, causing the buildup. Learn more about Jaundice here.

WHAT IS ERYTHROMYCIN? A treatment recommended that all newborns get within an hour of birth is an antibiotic eye ointment called erythromycin. The ointment is used to prevent dangerous cases of bacterial conjunctivitis, or “pink eye”. This treatment is considered standard of care and is mandatory in California. Learn all about Erythromycin here.