What is Hepatitis B? 🦠🩸
Hepatitis B is a viral infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) that affects the liver. It can cause both acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) liver disease.
How is Hepatitis B Transmitted?
- Through contact with infected blood or body fluids (e.g., semen, vaginal fluids) 💉
- Sexual contact with an infected person
- From mother to baby during childbirth (perinatal transmission)
- Sharing needles, syringes, or other drug-injection equipment
- Unsafe medical practices like unsterile injections or blood transfusions
Symptoms
- Many people, especially children, may have no symptoms initially
- Fatigue and weakness 😴
- Loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting 🤢
- Abdominal pain, especially near the liver
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes) 🟡
- Dark urine and pale stools
- Joint pain and fever in some cases
Diagnosis
- Blood tests to detect HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), antibodies, and viral DNA
- Liver function tests to assess liver damage
- Imaging or biopsy in chronic cases
Treatment
- Acute Hepatitis B often resolves on its own without treatment
- Chronic Hepatitis B may require antiviral medications like entecavir or tenofovir
- Regular monitoring of liver health to prevent complications like cirrhosis or liver cancer
- Lifestyle changes like avoiding alcohol and maintaining a healthy diet
Prevention 🛡️
- Safe and effective Hepatitis B vaccine available and recommended for all infants and at-risk adults 💉
- Avoid sharing needles or personal items like razors and toothbrushes
- Practice safe sex using condoms 🛡️
- Screen blood and organ donors