Hepatitis B

What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is one of the most widespread infectious diseases worldwide. it is cause by the Hepatitis B virus(HBV). HBV primirily affects the liver inducing an inflammatory reaction that destroys liver cells and often hinders liver function. The consequenses of infection are variable and unpredictable. They depens on the age and immunity status of the patient.

 

 
   
 
What Are the Symptoms?

Some people who are infected with hepatitis B do not get very ill. Some do not get sick at all. Children are more likely than adults to show no symptoms even if they are infected.
In more severe cases, hepatitis B can cause:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Pain in the liver (under the right rib cage)
  • Fever
  • Pain in the joints
  • Jaundice (when the urine becomes darker than normal and the eyes and skin go yellow).
  • Normally these symptoms disappear in a few weeks, but even when the person feels much better he or she may still be infected with hepatitis B.
   
 

 
How Does Hepatitis B Spread?

Blood
The hepatitis B virus is present in the blood of an infected person. If infected blood enters another person’s blood stream, that person may catch the disease.

The disease can be spread by:

  • Drug users sharing needles and syringes.
  • Piercing the skin with equipment which is not properly cleaned and sterilised.
  • Sharing razor blades or toothbrushes.
  • One person's blood coming into contact with open cuts on another person.

People who get blood transfusions do not run the risk of hepatitis B infection because blood donations are screened for the virus.

You cannot catch hepatitis B from contact with urine or faeces unless they contain blood.

Sex

The virus can be spread if people have sexual intercourse without a condom.


Mother to Baby

Mothers who are carriers sometimes pass hepatitis B to their children. Some babies are infected in the womb or during birth. However, most infection occurs shortly after birth, so if the newborn baby is quickly immunised, he or she can be protected from the disease.

 
   
 

 
How Can I Avoid Getting Hepatitis B?

 

Everyone can take simple steps to protect themselves.

  • Use condoms every time you have anal or vaginal sex.
  • Oral sex is normally unlikely to spread hepatitis B, but it is best to avoid oral sex if you or your partner have herpes, ulcers or bleeding gums.
  • If you inject drugs, never share needles and syringes or other equipment such as spoons, swabs and water. Always use sterile needles and syringes. These are available from needle and syringe programs and some chemists. Always wash your hands before and after injecting.
  • Wear disposable gloves if you give someone first aid or clean up blood or body fluids.
   
 
Immunisation

You should consider being immunised if you:

  • Use injected drugs.
  • Have a sexual partner who has hepatitis B.
  • Are homosexual or bisexual men?
  • Have many sexual partners.
  • Live in a house where someone has hepatitis B
  • Are a health care or emergency worker, or if you come into contact with blood during your work.
  • long-term prisoners?
  • Are kidney dialysis patients?
  • Have a blood clotting disorder and are treated with blood products.
  • Already have a liver disease such as hepatitis C.
  • Are a resident or staff member at a facility for people with intellectual disabilities?
  • Intend staying for a long time in high-risk areas overseas.
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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