Baskadia

Viral Hepatitis B the Silent Infection

Hepatitis is a general term use for inflammation of the liver. There are several other Hepatitis infections but our focus will be on Hepatitis B. Globally, Hepatitis B is a disease of public health threat and the world’s most diagnosed liver infection. Comparatively it’s up to 100 times more infectious than the HIV/AIDS virus. It is the basic cause of liver (hepatocellular carcinoma or HCC), the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the world.

There are two types of hepatitis B infections:

Acute infection. This is when a person is first infected with hepatitis B or sudden occurrence of the infection. Symptoms range from no symptoms to liver failure. Usually, adults recover from this and have no further complications.

Chronic infection. The existence of the virus or infection in the blood for more than six months is considered a chronic infection. Infants and young children are less able to rid their bodies off the virus and may develop chronic hepatitis B as a result whereas most adults do not develop chronic hepatitis B.

Viral hepatitis B can be transmitted by;

injecting drugs using shared needles

being injured by a used needle

having vaginal, anal or oral sex without using a condom.

having a tattoo or piercing with unsterilised equipment

having a blood transfusion that’s not well screened for hepatitis B. 

Signs AND Symptoms

Most people do not have any symptoms when they are first infected by the viral hepatitis B virus thus the name "silent infection" because they can unknowingly pass the virus to others and continue the silent spread of hepatitis B Virus. Testing is the only way to diagnose or now your status.

Most healthy adults do not experience any symptoms when they are first infected with the hepatitis B virus while some others who are infected will have symptoms and seek medical attention, others will also ignore the symptoms

A life-threatening condition called “fulminant hepatitis," is developed by about 1 percent (%) of those infected which can be fatal and result in liver failure and death. Although this response is rare, fulminant hepatitis develops suddenly and requires emergency medical response.

Common symptoms of hepatitis B infection 

Fever, fatigue, muscle or joint pain

Stomach pain

Pale or light colored stools

Dark, tea colored urine

Loss of appetite

Mild nausea and vomiting

Serious symptoms that require immediate medical attention 

Severe nausea and vomiting

Yellow eyes and skin (called "jaundice")

 Bloated or swollen stomach 

Prevention of Viral Hepatitis B

avoid injecting drugs using shared needles

avoid being injured by a used needle

avoid having vaginal, anal or oral sex without using a condom.

avoid having a tattoo or piercing with unsterilized equipment

ensured blood to be transfused  is well screened for hepatitis B

ensured you are take the required dose of the hepatitis B vaccine to trigger adequate immune response. 

Augustt Daniel C.A.K (PHN)