Hepatitis B: everything you need to know about this liver infection

 Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver. The virus is transmitted through contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person. It can also be transmitted from mother to baby during childbirth. Hepatitis B can cause both acute and chronic liver disease, and it can lead to liver cancer and liver failure.

WHO has estimated that 296 million people were living with chronic each year. In 2019, Hepatitis B resulted in an estimated 820,000 deaths, mostly Hepatitis B infection in 2019, with 1.5 million new infections from cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (primary liver cancer)- here.

In this blog post, we will discuss the causes, transmission, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and vaccines for Hepatitis B.

Liver with Hepatitis B infection highlighted inside the human body and close-up view of Hepatitis B Viruses

Cause

Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), which belongs to the family of Hepadnaviridae. The virus can survive outside the body for at least seven days and is found in the blood, semen, and other body fluids of an infected person. Hepatitis B is highly contagious and can be transmitted through:

• Sharing needles, syringes, or any other sharp objects with an infected person
• Exposure to infected blood or body fluids through broken skin or mucous membranes
• Mother-to-child transmission during childbirth or breastfeeding
• Unprotected sex with an infected person
  

Transmission

Hepatitis B can be transmitted through contact with infected blood or other bodily fluids, such as semen and vaginal secretions. The virus can be transmitted through:

1. Sharing needles or any  sharp object and other equipment used for injecting drugs
2. From mother to baby during childbirth
3. Unprotected sex with an infected partner
4. Sharing personal items such as razors or toothbrushes with an infected person
5. Contact with open wounds or sores of an infected person
6. Blood transfusions or organ transplants from an infected donor (rare in developed countries)

Symptoms

Many people with hepatitis B do not experience any symptoms and are unaware that they are infected. When symptoms do occur, they can include:

• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Dark urine
• Pale stools
• Joint pain
• Fever

Diagnosis

Hepatitis B can be diagnosed through a blood test that detects the presence of the virus in the blood. If the virus is detected, additional tests may be needed to determine the extent of liver damage and the appropriate course of treatment.

 

Prevention

The best way to prevent Hepatitis B is to get vaccinated. The Hepatitis B vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect yourself from the virus. The vaccine is recommended for:

• Infants at birth
• Children and adolescents who were not vaccinated at birth
• Healthcare workers and others who are at risk of exposure to the virus
• People with chronic liver disease or other risk factors for Hepatitis B

Other ways to prevent Hepatitis B include:

• Practicing safe sex by using condoms
• Not sharing needles or other injection equipment
• Using precautions when handling blood or body fluids
• Not sharing personal items such as razors or toothbrushes
• Testing blood and organ donors for hepatitis B
• Getting tested for Hepatitis B if you’re at risk

Cure

There is no cure for Hepatitis B, but most people with acute Hepatitis B recover on their own within a few months. However, about 10% of people with Hepatitis B develop chronic Hepatitis B, which can lead to liver damage and liver cancer. Treatment for chronic Hepatitis B may include antiviral medications that can reduce the amount of virus in the body and slow down the progression of liver disease.

Treatment

The treatment for Hepatitis B depends on whether you have acute or chronic Hepatitis B. Acute Hepatitis B usually does not require treatment, and most people recover on their own within a few months. However, if symptoms are severe, your doctor may prescribe medications to relieve symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and fatigue.

If you have chronic Hepatitis B, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medications that can help reduce the amount of virus in your body and slow down the progression of liver disease. In some cases, your doctor may recommend a liver transplant if your liver has been severely damaged.

Vaccines

Hepatitis B vaccine vial

The Hepatitis B vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect yourself from Hepatitis B. The vaccine is given in a series of three shots over six months. The vaccine is recommended for infants, children, adolescents, and adults who are at risk of exposure to the virus.

 

Conclusion

Hepatitis B is a serious viral infection that can cause liver damage, liver cancer, and death if left untreated. It is transmitted through contact with infected blood or other bodily fluids, and many people with the disease do not experience any symptoms.

The best way to prevent hepatitis B is to get vaccinated, and other prevention measures include using condoms during sex, not sharing needles or other equipment for injecting drugs, and using standard precautions in healthcare settings.

While there is no cure for hepatitis B, antiviral medications can help to slow the progression of the disease and reduce the risk of complications. It is important to seek medical attention if you think you may have been exposed to the virus or if you experience any symptoms of the disease.

Together, we can prevent the spread of Hepatitis B and protect ourselves and our loved ones from this deadly disease.