Viral Hepatitis B

Augustt Daniel C.A.K

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:

. 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.

. 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.

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. 

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 

Serious symptoms that require immediate medical attention 

avoid injecting drugs using shared needles

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. 

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