Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus In some people, hepatitis B becomes chronic, that is, it lasts for more than 6 months Having chronic hepatitis B increases the risk of developing liver failure, liver cancer, and cirrhosis (permanent liver damage).
Most adults infected with hepatitis B make a full recovery, even if they have severe signs and symptoms. Infants and children are at greater risk of developing chronic hepatitis B The vaccine can prevent hepatitis B, but it cannot be treated If you are infected, take precautions to avoid spreading the disease
Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus The virus is transmitted from one person to another through blood, semen or other biological fluids
Common ways of hepatitis B transmission are:
- Sexual contact You can become infected if you have unprotected sex with someone whose blood, saliva, semen or vaginal discharge enters your body
- Sharing needles Hepatitis B is easily transmitted by needles and syringes contaminated with infected blood Sharing intravenous drug paraphernalia increases the risk of hepatitis B
- Accidental needle stick Healthcare workers and anyone else who comes into close contact with blood are at high risk of hepatitis B
- from mother to child Pregnant mothers infected with hepatitis B can transmit the virus to their children during childbirth Fortunately, in the case of vaccination of newborns, the development of infection is avoided in almost all cases Talk to your doctor about being tested for hepatitis B if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
Acute vs Chronic hepatitis B Hepatitis B infection can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic).
Acute hepatitis B infection lasts less than 6 months Your immune system will most likely destroy the hepatitis B virus and you will be fully recovered within a few months Most people who acquire hepatitis B in adulthood develop an acute infection, although chronic infection is not excluded.
Chronic infection lasts 6 months or more When your immune system fails to clear an acute infection, hepatitis B can become chronic and lead to serious diseases such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.
The earlier you get hepatitis B - especially as a newborn and under 5 years old - the greater the risk of developing chronic infection. Chronic infection may be latent until severe liver damage is detected
Hepatitis B symptoms range from mild to severe and appear 1-4 months after infection Signs and symptoms of hepatitis B are:
- Abdominal pain
- Dark urine
- Fever
- Joint pain
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weakness and fatigue
- Skin Taking preventive measures can reduce the risk of infection if treatment is given within 24 hours of exposure to the virus.
If you think you have signs and symptoms of hepatitis B, see your doctor
