WorldHepatitisWeek: What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a life-threatening liver infection caused by the Hepatitis-B virus or HBV. It can cause chronic infection and put people at a high risk of death from cirrhosis or scarring of the liver and liver cancer.

In terms of transmission, Hepatitis B is primarily spread from mother to child at birth, sexual transmission, or misuse of contaminated needles. It can be transmitted by the exchange of infected bodily fluids such as blood, saliva, menstrual and vaginal fluids and seminal fluids. Most people do not experience any symptoms when newly infected, however, some people experience acute illness with symptoms that last for several weeks including yellowing of the skin and eyes also known as jaundice, dark urine, extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. A small subset of individuals with acute hepatitis b can also develop acute liver failure, which can lead to death. In some people, the hepatitis b virus can cause a chronic liver failure that can later develop into cirrhosis, also known as scarring of the liver or liver cancer. This form of chronic hepatitis b is more known to have much worse outcomes than the afore-mentioned acute hepatitis b.

In terms of prevention, safe & effective vaccine that offers a high chance of protection against Hepatitis b is available. The World Health Organization recommends that all infants receive the hepatitis b vaccine within 24 hours after birth. Timely birth dose is an effective measure to reduce infection from mother to child. However, it is important to note that this is just a preventative measure, as of today, there is no specific cure for acute hepatitis B, and therefore care is aimed at maintaining comfort and adequate nutrition balance including the replacement of fluids lost from vomiting and diarrhea. Chronic hepatitis b infections can be treated with medicines including oral and antiviral agents. Treatment can slow the progression of cirrhosis, reduce incidence of liver cancer and improve long-term survival.

Ensuring that you and your family are vaccinated will go a long way in preventing hepatitis b making the word a safer place for you and all.