Hepatitis B -HBV

Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver that can cause severe illness. HBV infection is often transmitted from mother to child during childbirth or through contact with blood or other body fluids, injections, and contaminated sharp instruments.

For most patients, hepatitis B is short-term, which is known as acute inflammation, and lasts for less than 6 months. While for others, the infection becomes chronic, lasting for more than six months. Complications include hepatic failure, liver cancer, or liver fibrosis.

 

Common ways of spreading liver virus B include:

HBV-contaminated needles. Hepatitis B virus spreads easily through needles and injections contaminated with infected blood.

mother-to-fetus. An infected mother may transmit the disease to her fetus during childbirth or Sexual intercourse.

 

Symptoms

Symptoms range from mild to acute. They usually appear within one to four months after infection, but may also be felt earlier. Some people may not show any symptoms.  Symptoms include:

 

Yellow eyes and skin (jaundice)

Dark Urine

Nausea

Vomiting

Abdominal Pain



Prevention

The hepatitis B vaccine is usually administered in two doses a month apart. It is highly recommended to administer hepatitis B vaccine to the following categories:

 

-Healthcare workers

-Newborn

-Children and adolescents who have not received the vaccine after childbirth

-Persons living with a person with hepatitis B

-Anyone with a sexually transmitted infection

-Educate and raise awareness of the disease.

-Ensure the use of sterile needles and injections.

-Consult a doctor before traveling abroad.

-Be careful in dealing with blood samples.

-Perform the necessary examinations during pregnancy.

 

Be careful about piercing the body and tattooing. If you want to make a piercing or a tattoo on the body, ensure the place is reputable. Ask how to clean the equipment.

 

FAQs

1-Will I recover from a hepatitis B infection?

Most newly infected adults who are healthy recover without any problems, while 10% develop chronic hepatitis B virus. However, infants and young children may not recover from the virus successfully.

What is the difference between hepatitis B infection "acute" and "chronic"?

The average time taken to recover from hepatitis B infection is 6 months

If hepatitis B virus test results remain positive after 6 months, the infection is often "chronic" and may last for life.

 

2-Can I donate blood if I have hepatitis B?

No, blood cannot be donated from someone who has been infected with hepatitis B virus, even if they have recovered from severe infection.

3-Is it safe to take supplements or herbs to treat hepatitis B?

The quality of herbal treatments or supplements may vary from company to company. It can also interfere with medications taken by the patient to treat hepatitis B or any other pathological conditions.

Consult your doctor before taking any supplements or herbs. To make sure the ingredients are effective and safe.

 

4-What advice can be given to enjoy a healthy liver for people with chronic hepatitis B virus?

1-Regular medical examinations to maintain health conditions generally good and also as liver health

2-Receipt of hepatitis B vaccine.

3-Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking

4-Avoid taking any complementary herbal or vitamin treatments without medical consultation

5-Follow a healthy diet based on eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and low-fat meat.

6-Reduce stress levels in your life and make sure you exercise regularly and get enough rest.

 

SEE ALSO

First Aid For Burns

6 Ways to Help You Quit Smoking