Hepatitis B

WHAT IS HEPATITIS B INFECTION?
It is a condition where the liver is inflamed due to an infection by the Hepatitis B virus. There are many other viruses that can cause hepatitis. e.g. Hepatitis A, Hepatitis C, EBV, CMV.


HOW DOES ONE GET HEPATITIS B?

  • Sexual intercourse with an infected person
  • Receiving contaminated blood products
  • Infected mothers can pass it to the child during birth
  • Needle sharing and needle stick injury
  • Sharing contaminated equipment e.g. tattooing and acupuncture needles



WHAT IS THE INCUBATION PERIOD OF HEPATITIS B?

  • 3 to 6 months after exposure to the infection


WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HEPATITIS B?

  • It may be without symptoms or may present with severe liver disease
  • If an individual has acute Hepatitis B, he/she will experience malaise, low grade fever, nausea, loss of appetite, dark tea-coloured urine and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
  • Some infected individuals do not show any signs and may remain symptom free and ignorant of the infection until they are tested


WHAT IS SO DANGEROUS ABOUT HEPATITIS B?

  • Most people get through Hepatitis B infection without much complications
  • However 5% to 10% of the population are unable to produce antibodies against the virus and will become chronic carriers
  • Chronic carriers of Hepatitis B are at higher risk of developing liver cancer


WHAT ARE HEPATITIS B ANTIGENS AND ANTIBODIES?

  • Hepatitis B antigens are part of the virus particle itself, they can be detected by blood tests
  • Hepatitis B antibodies are proteins that the body produce when exposed to the virus
  • Antibodies clear the body of the virus and offer long term protection



HOW IS HEPATITIS B DIAGNOSED?
Hepatitis B can be diagnosed through blood tests:

  • Hepatitis B antigen tests: the presence of Hepatitis B antigen means that the person is infected and infectious to others
  • Hepatitis B antibody test: the presence of Hepatitis B antibody means that the person is immune
  • Liver function tests assess the functional state of the liver


CAN A HEPATITIS B CARRIER BE CURED?

  • There are new medications that can help some carriers get rid of their infection. You should seek advice from a specialist for further information.


WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I AM FOUND TO BE A CARRIER?

  • Regular check-ups with your doctor to assess the function of your liver and detect any early cancerous changes
  • Sexual partners should be screened for infection
  • Pregnant women must inform their obstetrician so that necessary precautions may be taken to prevent infecting the newborn
  • Inform your doctor and dentist that you are a carrier so that precautions may be taken during procedures
  • Do not share personal items like shavers and toothbrushes as there may be blood contamination
  • Use a condom during sexual intercourse to prevent infecting others


WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I AM IN DOUBT ABOUT MY STATUS?

  • Have your blood tested for Hepatitis B
  • Discuss the results with your doctor and vaccinate against Hepatitis B if you have not been infected
  • Hepatitis B carriers do not need vaccination


CAN I BE VACCINATED AGAINST HEPATITIS B?

  • Yes, an effective vaccine is available to protect against Hepatitis B
  • This comprises a series of three injections

 

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Call the AIDS/STI helplines at 6295 2944 for more information.