Hepatitis B

What is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B (HBV) is a serious liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus. It can be mild and last for a few weeks (Acute) or lead to a serious, lifelong illness (Chronic).

Good News: A vaccine can prevent the disease. Most adults recover fully, even if their symptoms are severe.

For some, however, it becomes chronic, leading to liver failure, liver cancer, or cirrhosis (permanent scarring of the liver).

Symptoms

Signs usually appear about 3 months after infection. They can range from mild to severe:

• Abdominal pain.
• Dark urine.
• Fever and Joint pain.
• Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
• Weakness and fatigue.
• Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and the whites of your eyes.

Note: Most infants and children with Hepatitis B never develop signs or symptoms.

⚠️ EMERGENCY: EXPOSURE
If you know you have been exposed to Hepatitis B (e.g., needle stick, sexual contact), contact a doctor immediately. Receiving a preventive treatment (Immune Globulin) within 24 hours can prevent the infection from taking hold.

Acute vs. Chronic

• Acute Hepatitis B: Lasts less than 6 months. Your immune system is able to clear the virus from your body, and you recover completely. Most adults get this type.
• Chronic Hepatitis B: Lasts 6 months or longer. The immune system cannot fight off the virus, and it remains in the body lifelong. This is more common in infants and young children.

Causes & Transmission

The virus is passed from person to person through blood, semen, or other body fluids. Common methods include:

• Sexual Contact: Unprotected sex with an infected partner.
• Sharing Needles: High risk among IV drug users.
• Accidental Needle Sticks: A risk for healthcare workers.
• Mother to Child: Passed to babies during childbirth.

Complications

Chronic infection can lead to:

• Cirrhosis: Extensive scarring of the liver which impairs function.
• Liver Cancer: Chronic HBV increases the risk of cancer.
• Liver Failure: Vital functions shut down, requiring a transplant.
• Hepatitis D: You can only get Hepatitis D if you already have B.

Diagnosis & Screening

Doctors screen for Hepatitis B using blood tests. Screening is recommended for pregnant women, people with HIV, and anyone living with an infected person.

Understanding the Tests

• HBsAg (Surface Antigen): Positive means you are currently infected and contagious.
• Anti-HBs (Surface Antibody): Positive means you are protected (immune), either from a vaccine or past recovery.
• Anti-HBc (Core Antibody): Positive means you have had the virus in the past or currently have it.

Treatment

1. Acute Infection

No specific treatment is needed. Doctors recommend rest and hydration while your body clears the virus. Follow-up blood tests are required to ensure the virus is gone.

2. Chronic Infection

• Antiviral Medications: Drugs to fight the virus and slow liver damage.
• Liver Transplant: For severely damaged livers.

3. Prevention (Vaccine)

The Hepatitis B vaccine is the best defense. It is typically given as a series of 3-4 injections over six months. It is recommended for all infants.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.