Hepatitis B is a serious disease of the liver that is caused by the hepatitis B virus. While it can often be self-resolving in most people, in a small percentage of those infected, it becomes chronic, leading to cirrhosis and cancer of the liver that can be fatal. The hepatitis B virus is spread through the exchange of blood and other body fluids, and the disease can often remain undiagnosed until end-state cancer of the liver. It is quite possible for persons to become infected and not display any signs of the infection, and pass on the infection to others.
Transmission of Hepatitis B
Research points out that hepatitis B is transmitted when body fluids like blood or semen from an infected person passed on a person who is not infected. Typically, this is a result of unprotected sexual activity, sharing of syringes and needles, unsafe techniques of tattooing, sharing personal hygiene items like toothbrushes and razor blades, etc. Health workers can expose themselves to the risk of infection if do not have adequate personal protection equipment or follow unsafe practices. A baby can also be born infected if the pregnant mother is; however, the infection is not multiplied through coughing, breastfeeding, kissing, sneezing, hugging, holding hands, or through insect bites. The virus remains potent for up to seven days outside the body during which, it can infect someone not under the cover of a vaccine.
Symptoms of Hepatitis B Infection
According to experts, most hepatitis B infections occur during infancy or childhood; however, they are seldom diagnosed for want of obvious symptoms. In addition, children who are five years old or less and adults with a weakened immune system may not display the symptoms. Infected persons, more than five years old, may show sign like fever, fatigue, joint pain, vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice, and clay-color feces. The symptoms can become acute two to four months after exposure to the virus and last up to six months.
Diagnosis and Treatment
The only way of diagnosing a hepatitis B infection is to test the blood sample of the person suspected of being infected. One of the most effective ways of diagnosis involves the use of shop Elisa kits by a qualified diagnostic laboratory technician. The results are also correlated with circumstantial evidence like babies born to infected mothers, people who have had sex with infected persons, those who have engaged in homosexual activity, users of injected drugs, people in contact with infected persons, health workers who are exposed to the risk, etc. In addition, patients undergoing hemodialysis, chemotherapy, visitors to regions with high HBV incidence, and pregnant women can be at a higher risk. There is no treatment identified that will cure the hepatitis B infection, however, administration of antiviral medicine can decrease its impact and prevent it from assuming critical or fatal proportions.
Conclusion
Since hepatitis B can be deadly, it is important to get a vaccination; the recommended process is a series of three injections, the first just after birth, the second onemonth later, and the last one, eight weeks thereafter. It is also vital to limit the risk of exposure by practicing safe sex, not sharing needles, wearing protective clothing during medical procedures and in healthcare environments.
Author Bio: Anthony Karen is a health expert who has been running many health seminars and public discussions. She also manages her blog and reviews the health-related details provided by authentic sources.
