Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver and can range from a short-term illness to a serious chronic condition.
What is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver and can range from a short-term illness to a serious chronic condition. It is one of the most common infectious diseases globally and a leading cause of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. With early detection and proper management, its impact can be minimized—and in many cases, prevented.
Signs and Symptoms
Some people with Hepatitis B may not show any symptoms, especially children. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Joint pain
Because symptoms can be mild or absent, many people do not realize they are infected, which is why testing is crucial.
Types of Hepatitis B
1. Acute Hepatitis B
A short-term illness that occurs within the first six months of exposure to the virus. Most healthy adults recover fully and develop lifelong immunity.
2. Chronic Hepatitis B
When the virus remains in the body for more than six months. This is more likely if the infection occurs in infancy or early childhood and can lead to serious complications like liver failure or cancer.
How Hepatitis B is Transmitted?
Hepatitis B spreads when blood, semen, or other body fluids from an infected person enter the body of someone who is not infected. Common routes of transmission include:
- From mother to child during childbirth
- Through unprotected sex
- Sharing needles or sharp instruments (e.g., in medical settings or tattooing)
- Household contact involving shared razors or toothbrushes
- Blood transfusions (rare in places with screened blood supply)
Importantly, Hepatitis B is not spread through casual contact, such as hugging, sneezing, or sharing food.
Importantly, Hepatitis B is not spread through casual contact, such as hugging, sneezing, or sharing food.
Genetic Risk and Family History
Hepatitis B itself is not inherited genetically like some conditions, but a strong family history increases risk of transmission, especially from mother to child during birth. In areas where Hepatitis B is common, many infections happen in early childhood, often within families.
If someone in your family has chronic Hepatitis B, it is recommended that all close contacts be screened and vaccinated.
Hepatitis B Diagnosis and Testing
Depending on where you live, you might be able to afford a Hepatitis B self-test or home test kit. Before testing yourself, make sure to read everything about Hepatitis and make an informed decision. If you test positive, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Sometimes, there are combo kits available that can test for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, and other STDs using a single device. You can check those out for more comprehensive testing.
In all cases—stay strong!
A detailed Hepatitis B diagnosis is made through a blood test that checks for Hepatitis B surface antigens and antibodies. It determines:
- Whether you are infected
- Whether you’ve recovered
- Whether you’re immune through vaccination
- Whether you have chronic Hepatitis B and need further tests to assess liver damage
Regular testing is recommended for individuals with a family history of Hepatitis B, healthcare workers, pregnant women, and people with high-risk behaviors.
Hepatitis B Treatment and Management
There is no specific cure for acute Hepatitis B; the focus is on rest and immune support. For chronic Hepatitis B, antiviral medications may be used to control the virus and prevent liver damage.
In addition, regular monitoring is important to check for signs of liver complications, even if you feel well. A liver-healthy lifestyle, including avoiding alcohol and monitoring other infections, is essential.
Screening Before Marriage and During Pregnancy
One of the most important tools in controlling Hepatitis B is preventive screening, especially:
1. Before marriage
If one partner has chronic Hepatitis B, the other partner can be tested and vaccinated. Early detection allows couples to make informed health decisions and prevent transmission.
2. During pregnancy
Pregnant women should be screened for Hepatitis B early in prenatal care. If a mother is positive, immediate newborn vaccination and immune therapy can prevent transmission in over 95% of cases.
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent Hepatitis B. It is safe, highly effective, and typically given in a three-dose schedule. Many countries now include it in childhood immunization programs.
Raising awareness, encouraging testing, and reducing stigma around Hepatitis B are essential steps toward healthier families and communities.
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