Hepatitis B infection: Symptoms, Causes And Prevention

By Egbodo Peter

INTRODUCTION.

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the cause of hepatitis B, a dangerous infection of the liver. Hepatitis B is often short-term, commonly known as acute, lasting less than six months in most cases. Others, however, experience a persistent infection—that is, one that lasts longer than six months. Chronic hepatitis B raises the chances of liver cancer, liver failure, and cirrhosis, which leaves the liver permanently scarred.

Most adults with hepatitis B recover fully, even if their symptoms are severe. Infants and children are more likely to develop a long-lasting hepatitis B infection. This is known as a chronic infection.

A vaccine can prevent hepatitis B, but there’s no cure if you have the condition. If you’re infected, taking certain precautions can help prevent spreading the virus to others.

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Symptoms

Symptoms of acute hepatitis B range from mild to severe. They usually appear about 1 to 4 months after you’ve been infected, although you could see them as early as two weeks after you’re infected. Some people, usually young children, may not have any symptoms.

Hepatitis B signs and symptoms may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Dark urine
• Fever
• Joint pain
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Weakness and fatigue
• Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, also called jaundice.

Causes

Hepatitis B infection is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The virus is passed from person to person through blood, semen or other body fluids. It does not spread by sneezing or coughing.

Common Ways That Hbv Can Spread Are:

• Sexual Contact: You may get hepatitis B if you have unprotected sex with someone who is infected. The virus can pass to you if the person’s blood, saliva, semen or vaginal secretions enter your body.
• Sharing Of Needles: HBV easily spreads through needles and syringes contaminated with infected blood. Sharing IV drug paraphernalia puts you at high risk of hepatitis B.
• Accidental Needle Sticks: Hepatitis B is a concern for health care workers and anyone else who comes in contact with human blood.
• Mother To Child: Pregnant women infected with HBV can pass the virus to their babies during childbirth. However, the newborn can be vaccinated to avoid getting infected in almost all cases. Talk to your provider about being tested for hepatitis B if you are pregnant or want to become pregnant.

Prevention

The hepatitis B vaccine is typically given as two injections separated by a month or three or four injections over six months, depending on which vaccine is given. You can’t get hepatitis B from the vaccine. The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended by the United States Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for adults 19 to 59 years of age who do not have a contraindication to the vaccine.

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The hepatitis B vaccine is also strongly recommended for:

• Newborns
• Children and adolescents not vaccinated at birth
• Those who work or live in a center for people who are developmentally disabled
• People who live with someone who has hepatitis B
• Health care workers, emergency workers and other people who come into contact with blood
• Anyone who has a sexually transmitted infection, including HIV
• Men who have sex with men
• People who have multiple sexual partners
• Sexual partners of someone who has hepatitis B
• People who inject illegal drugs or share needles and syringes
• People with chronic liver disease
• People with end-stage kidney disease
• Travelers planning to go to an area of the world with a high hepatitis B infection rate

When To See A Doctor.

If you know you’ve been exposed to hepatitis B, contact your health care provider immediately. A preventive treatment may reduce your risk of infection if you receive the treatment within 24 hours of exposure to the virus.

If you think you have symptoms of hepatitis B, contact your health care provider.

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