/ Hepatitis B

HEPATITIS B

Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by Hepatitis B virus (HBV). It gets transmitted through bodily fluids such as blood, semen or vaginal secretions.

Hepatitis B may be acute or chronic. In acute Hepatitis B symptoms are quick to appear while in chronic hepatitis B symptoms may not be noticeable unless complications occur.

Chronic Hepatitis B increases risk of developing liver failure, liver cirrhosis or in some cases liver cancer. Although there is no cure for Hepatitis B, a vaccine to prevent it is available.

What are the Symptoms?

In most cases, symptoms may not present until one to four months of having the virus.

• Fatigue
• Pain in the abdomen
• Jaundice
• Loss of Appetite
• Vomiting & Nausea
• Fever
• Joint & muscle pain

Is hepatitis B contagious?

Hepatitis B is highly contagious & spreads through contact with infected blood or other fluids of the body. It, however, does not spread through sneezing, coughing or breastfeeding.

Some of the ways in which it gets transmitted are:

• Direct contact with infected blood
• Mother to baby during birth
• Getting pricked with a contaminated needle
• Intimacy with a person with HBV
• Oral, Vaginal & anal sex
• Using a razor or other personal items of the person infected.

What are the risk Factors?

A person is at an increased risk of getting Hepatitis A if he/she:

• Lives with a person who has Hepatitis A
• Has any type of sexual contact with someone who has hepatitis A
• Is HIV positive
• Uses any kind of illegal drugs

What are the risk factors?

People with certain medical conditions are at higher risk than others. Some of the risk factors of Hepatitis B are:

• Chronic Liver Disease
• Kidney Disease
• Diabetic patients above 60 years of age
• Those with multiple sex partners
• Those who use IV drugs

How is It Diagnosed?

As part of screening for Hepatitis B virus, your doctor may recommend a series of blood tests including:

• Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Test
• Hepatitis B Core Antigen Test
• Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Test
• Liver Function Test

How is it treated?

If you think that you’ve come in contact with the Hepatitis B virus , visit a doctor immediately. Your doctor would recommend a Hepatitis B vaccination & Hepatitis B immunoglobin (HBIG). This boosts your immune system & can help you fight off the infection.

In case of chronic hepatitis, you may be prescribed certain medications

What are the complications?

Chronic Hepatitis B can lead to serious consequences including:

• Cirrhosis
• Liver Cancer
• Liver Failure
• Kidney Disease
• Blood Vessel Problems

What are the complications?

Following are some of the precautions that can help prevent Hepatitis B infection from spreading:

• Get Vaccinated
• Use protection when involving in sexual activity
• Cover all open cuts or wounds
• Never share razors, toothbrushes, nail care tools or pierced earrings
• Be cautious about body piercing & tattooing