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Beware of Hepatitis B Virus!

What is hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a liver disease that lasts throughout life from a mild illness, causing cirrhosis and liver cancer, which can have different consequences.

Hepatitis B is caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). Hepatitis B disease can be acute or chronic. Acute HBV infection occurs immediately after the patient is infected with HBV. This condition becomes chronic if acute HBV infection persists for more than six months. Chronic infection usually persists for a lifetime. The healthiest way to protect yourself from hepatitis B is to get vaccinated.

What is the chronic rate of acute hepatitis B virus infection?

The rate at which acute HBV infection returns to chronic is related to the age at which it is seen. As age increases, the rate of chronization also decreases. The chronization rate in infants is about 90%. This rate decreases as the child develop. In children 1 to 5 years infected with HBV, the rate of becoming chronic is approximately 25% to 50%. The risk of becoming chronic is 6% to 10% after age 5, and about 5% in adults.

How is acute hepatitis B virus transmitted?

Acute hepatitis B virus spreads by entering a person's blood, vaginal fluid, or other body fluids into another person's body.

What activities cause infection?

Transmission from an infected mother to a baby during childbirth
Having sex with a partner
Shared use of materials such as razors and toothbrushes
Contact with the blood of an infected person or an open wound
Contact with blood in injectors or other cutting tool injuries

By what means is the hepatitis B virus not transmitted?

By eating from the same plate
By consuming common food or water
By breastfeeding
By hugging, kissing, and handshaking
By coughing and sneezing
By using the same toilet, swimming in the same pool, traveling in the same vehicle

and so on.

What should be done if the hepatitis B virus is believed to be transmitted?

For the effectiveness of treatment, a specialist doctor should be consulted urgently. Vaccination and HBIG are administered for this problem.

What are the symptoms of acute hepatitis B?

Acute hepatitis B may not show symptoms because it is a newly occurring infection. The likelihood of not showing symptoms is higher in the children's age group. In adults, it gives symptoms at a rate of 70%. The most common symptoms of acute hepatitis B are the following;

Weakness
Fever
Absence of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal pain
The dark color is seen in the urine
Yellowing of the eyes and skin color
Joint pain

What are the symptoms of chronic hepatitis B?

Chronic hepatitis B may not cause any symptoms for a long time (up to 20 to 30 years). Along with this, the disease continues to negatively affect the liver. About 25% of chronic hepatitis B patients have serious liver diseases, such as cirrhosis or liver cancer. Some people who develop liver discomfort may not notice any symptoms.

Is chronic hepatitis B a serious disease?

Yes, chronic hepatitis B is a serious disease. In the long term, it can lead to serious health problems such as liver disease, liver failure, liver cancer, and even death.

How can a person find out that they are carrying hepatitis B?

Easy blood tests can determine hepatitis B. As a result of this, the following conclusions can be drawn;

The presence of acute or chronic hepatitis B
Hepatitis B has occurred before and has been cured
That they are immune to hepatitis B
They will benefit from the vaccine

How is acute hepatitis B treated?

There is no specific treatment method for acute hepatitis B. Rest, fluid consumption, and food intake are generally recommended, but some people may need to be hospitalized.

How is chronic hepatitis B treated?

Patients with chronic hepatitis B should be monitored by doctors specializing in this issue. They must be followed regularly regarding the development of the disease and treatment methods. Treatment may not be necessary for patients with all chronic hepatitis B diseases. For people who will receive treatment, there are many drug options available. By controlling this discomfort with treatment, the emergence of diseases such as liver failure, cirrhosis, or cancer can be prevented.

What should chronic hepatitis B patients do to protect their liver?

People with chronic hepatitis B should be monitored regularly by doctors specializing in this issue. It is important to avoid alcohol. They should consult their doctor before using any medication, and herbal or various support products should be avoided, as there is a possibility of damaging the liver.

Can hepatitis B be prevented?

Yes, it can be prevented. The easiest way to do this is to get vaccinated. The hepatitis B vaccine provides more than 90% protection. It is an effective and safe method of protection.

Updated at : 15-09-2022