HEPATITIS
B
Hepatitis
B virus is one of the viruses that causes hepatitis, or
inflammation of the liver. It is spread by contact
with infected blood or body fluids (sperm, vaginal secretions,
pus, tears, saliva, etc.) commonly exchanged during unprotected
intercourse. Hepatitis B is the most common chronic infectious
disease in the world! Most of the 300 million people infected
live in Asia and Africa, though 1.5 million are in the United
States.
Common
Signs & Symptoms
Hepatitis
B virus is one of many causes of hepatitis, a swelling of
the liver. The liver plays a crucial role in cleaning
the blood and metabolizing different substances we ingest.
When the liver isn't working correctly, "poisons" build
up in the blood. In addition, the liver makes bile,
and if it isn't released correctly, it builds up in the
body causing a yellowing of the skin and eyes (called jaundice
and icterus, respectively-pictured). People first
infected with HBV commonly get flu-like symptoms with body
aches, fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting.
In the majority of adults, HBV infection then goes into
a remission without any signs or symptoms. In 10%
(1 out of 10) of teenagers and adults, the HBV infection
will become chronic (long term). Chronically infected
people are at a high risk of developing liver failure (cirrhosis)
and liver cancers (hepatocellular carcinoma), which can
lead to death. In infants who acquire HBV from their
infected mother, 90% will have chronic hepatitis.
How's
it Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is made by a blood test. All pregnant women
are routinely tested as the easiest way to get this disease
is by getting it from your mother while being born.
How's
it Treated?
Currently there is no cure for Hepatitis B, though promising
research is underway. Interferon, ribavirin, and lamivudine,
are the most common options currently used by physicians
treating chronic hepatitis B. Prevention of this disease,
however, is the goal.
How
do I avoid Getting It (Prevention)?
The best protection is by getting immunized. Currently
all newborn babies in the U.S. are offered this three-shot
vaccination series. Adolescents and teenagers can
also get vaccine series free from their state (by going
to their family physician or pediatrician). Adults
can also be vaccinated, though most health insurances will
not pay (the cost is approximately $50/shot X 3 shots =
$150). Abstinence or correct condom
use will usually prevent transmission of this virus
from one person to the next by sexual contact.
Additional
Information
Get additional information on this and other diseases by
clicking here.
