Hepatitis B refers to inflammation of
the liver caused by the hepatitis virus. Those who are infected with hepatitis
B in childhood usually have high chances of carrying it for lifetime. Most of
the time, it eventually develops into cirrhosis, liver failure and liver
cancer.
Most of the patients do not show up any
symptoms until the disease reaches at an advanced stage. Patients infected with
hepatitis B usually have acute hepatitis with flu-like symptoms and jaundice followed
by gradual progress into severe cirrhosis and liver failure.Stats reveal that more than 350 million
individuals have chronic hepatitis B around world, out of approx one million
die each year.
a)
Hepatitis
B is majorly spread by unsafe sex. You should use latex condoms to save
yourself as well as others from getting infected.
b)
Everyone
should get vaccinated for hepatitis B
c)
One
must not share anything having blood on it such
as a toothbrush or razor
d)
A
person having Hepatitis B must not donate his blood, body organs, other tissues
or sperm
e)
You
should also keep your sore and cuts covered
f)
New
born babies also get infected with HBV during birth, but it can be prevented,
g)
All
babies should be given first dose of hepatitis B vaccine within 12 hours of
birth. One should also ask doctor about the next dosage and provides it as per
the schedule. Ask your doctor when your baby should get the next dose of the
Hepatitis B vaccine.
h)
If
the mother is having hepatitis B, it is essential to get a blood test of the
child after vaccination to ensure that he or she is protected
i)
It
is essential to know that Hepatitis B is not contagious diseases and it dies
not spread by sneezing or coughing, kissing or hugging, breastfeeding, food or
water, sharing eating utensils or working together in a same office etc.
In India, more than 40 million people
have chronic hepatitis B. All infected people may not show up symptoms or may
not even be aware of that they are actually carrying the virus.However, only 10-20% off patients will
develop chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis, the remaining 80-90% will remain
'carriers'.
One
must visit a liver specialist regularly for Hepatitis
B treatment in India and get their liver profile at examined
regular intervals or as advised. One must consult hepatologist before taking
any new medicines. Those having liver damage from Hepatitis B; they should get
tested for Hepatitis A and C and vaccinated against it.
