Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver causing inflammation. Hepatitis B has also been called type B hepatitis, serum hepatitis, homologous serum jaundice. The virus is transmitted through contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person. The severe pathological consequences of persistent HBV infections include the development of chronic hepatic insufficiency, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Infection occurs very often in early childhood when it is asymptomatic and often leads to the chronic carrier state.
How is HBV spread? HBV (Hepatitis B Virus) is transmitted through percutaneous or parenteral contact with infected blood, body fluids, during childbirth from mother to child and by sexual intercourse. HBV is able to remain on any surface it comes into contact with for about a week, e.g. table-tops, razor blades, blood stains, without losing infectivity
Symptoms In mild cases symptoms may not be present. When present, they may include: • General illness as in flu • Fatigue • Loss of appetite • Nausea or vomiting • Abdominal pain • Dark urine • Jaundice
Why is there no treatment for the acute disease? There is no specific treatment for acute viral hepatitis B
Prevention • Vaccines • Practice safe sex • Avoid contaminated needles • Avoid sharing toothbrush and razor with infected person
Vaccination Hepatitis B vaccine schedules are very flexible. Hepatitis B vaccine is given by intramuscular injection in the anterolateral aspect of the thigh (infants) or deltoid muscle (adults). 3 doses of vaccine has to be administered and followed by a boster dose every 5 years.
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