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Exploring Hepatitis B
1. Symptoms of Hepatitis B
When newly infected with the Hepatitis B virus, you may observe signs such as: - Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes - Dark brown urine - Pale orange-colored stool - Fever - Prolonged fatigue - Digestive issues like loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting - Abdominal pain
Symptoms become evident 1-6 months after viral infection. Some may not notice these symptoms (1/3 of infected individuals may be asymptomatic) until undergoing Hepatitis B testing.
2. Causes of Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B infection, caused by the HBV virus.
3. Is Hepatitis B infectious? How does it spread?
The Hepatitis B virus spreads from person to person through blood, semen, and other body fluids. It doesn't transmit through coughing or sneezing. Hepatitis B can be transmitted through the following main routes:
- Sexual contact: If you engage in unprotected sexual intercourse with someone carrying the virus in their blood, saliva, semen, or vaginal fluids can enter your body.
- Sharing needles: The virus can easily spread through needles and syringes contaminated with blood.
- Accidental needlestick injuries: Anyone, especially healthcare workers, coming into contact with another person's blood can get infected this way.
- From mother to child: Pregnant women with Hepatitis B can pass the virus to their newborn during childbirth. However, there are vaccines available to prevent infection in infants.
4. How common is Hepatitis B?
The number of Hepatitis B cases has significantly dropped, from an average of 200,000 people per year in the 1980s to only 20,000 people per year in 2016. Those aged 20-49 are at the highest risk of contracting the disease.
5. Diagnosing Hepatitis B
When suspected, doctors conduct Hepatitis B tests to determine if you are infected with this virus. If you exhibit symptoms and have elevated liver enzymes, you will be tested for:
- Surface antigen of the B virus (HBsAg). Antigens are proteins present in the Hepatitis B virus. Antibodies are proteins produced by your immune cells. They appear in your blood 1-10 weeks after exposure. If you fully recover, they disappear after 4-6 months. However, if they persist after 6 months, your condition is chronic.
- Hepatitis B antibodies (anti-HBs). These antibodies appear after the disappearance of HBsAg, providing lifelong immunity to Hepatitis B.
If your condition becomes chronic, doctors may take a tissue sample from your liver, known as a biopsy, to assess the severity of your condition.
6. Treating Hepatitis B
If you suspect exposure to the Hepatitis B virus, seek medical attention as early as possible. Early treatment improves prognosis. The doctor will administer vaccines and globulin to boost your immune system and fight against the virus.
If you're unwell, the doctor may recommend hospitalization for a smoother treatment process.
You'll need to abandon habits harmful to the liver, such as alcohol consumption. Also, consult with your doctor before taking any medications, herbs, or supplements as they may adversely affect your liver. Don't forget to maintain a proper dietary regimen.
7. Complications of Hepatitis B
Chronic Hepatitis B can lead to conditions such as:
- Cirrhosis or scarring of the liver
- Liver cancer
- Liver failure
- Kidney-related diseases
- Blood vessel disorders
8. Hepatitis B During Pregnancy
If you're pregnant, there's a risk of transmitting the virus to your baby during childbirth. This is less likely to occur during pregnancy.
If the baby gets infected and isn't treated, they may face various liver issues as they grow. Babies born to mothers with Hepatitis B should receive vaccines and globulin shortly after birth and within the first year.
9. Preventing Hepatitis B
To prevent Hepatitis B, take the following measures:
- Get vaccinated (if you haven't been exposed)
- Use condoms during sexual intercourse
- Wear gloves when handling, especially when touching medical cotton, sanitary pads, bed sheets, ...
- Cover cuts or open wounds
- Avoid sharing razors, toothbrushes, nail care tools, or earbuds with anyone
- Do not share chewing gum and do not chew food for babies
- Ensure that needles, earbuds, nail tools, etc., are properly sterilized
- Clean blood with household bleach and plenty of clean water.
10. Is Hepatitis B curable?
Hepatitis B is not curable. However, the virus causing the disease often disappears after a few months. Sometimes, the virus disappears even in chronic patients.
The above are the most basic information about Hepatitis B that everyone should understand. Remember, when infected with Hepatitis B, do not donate blood, serum, body parts, tissue, or sperm to anyone. Also, inform those around you, such as your partner, doctors, dentists, ... who are at high risk of infection like you, to take timely preventive measures.
Moreover, the Coronavirus is currently a major cause of acute respiratory illness that everyone is particularly concerned about. Refer to the Coronavirus symptoms here for self-preventive measures.
