What is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver, a crucial organ that processes nutrients, filters blood, and combats infections. This inflammation can impair liver function and can be caused by heavy alcohol use, toxins, certain medications, and various medical conditions. However, the most common cause of hepatitis is viral infection. In the United States, the primary types of viral hepatitis are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C.

Understanding Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a serious liver disease resulting from infection with the Hepatitis B virus (HBV).

• Acute Hepatitis B: This refers to a short-term infection occurring within the first six months after exposure to the virus. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, sometimes necessitating hospitalization. Some adults can clear the virus without treatment and develop immunity, preventing future infections.

Chronic Hepatitis B: This is a long-term infection with HBV. The likelihood of chronic infection depends on the age at which a person is infected. Up to 90% of infants infected with HBV will develop a chronic infection, compared to about 5% of adults. Chronic Hepatitis B can lead to severe health issues, including liver damage, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and potentially death.

How is Hepatitis B Spread?

HBV is transmitted through blood, semen, or other bodily fluids from an infected person. Common transmission methods include:

• Sexual contact: Most common in adults through sexual activity.

• Injection drug use: Sharing needles or other drug paraphernalia.

• Outbreaks in healthcare settings: Though rare, poor infection control can lead to outbreaks.

• Mother to baby: HBV can be transmitted from an infected mother to her baby at birth.

• HBV is not spread through breastfeeding, sharing eating utensils, casual contact (like hugging or kissing), coughing, sneezing, or contaminated food and water.

• Symptoms of Hepatitis B

• Many people with HBV show no symptoms and may be unaware of their infection. When symptoms do occur, they can include:

• Fever

• Fatigue

• Loss of appetite

• Nausea and vomiting

• Dark urine

• Grey-colored stool

• Joint pain

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

Symptoms of acute HBV infection typically appear within three months of exposure and can last up to six months. Symptoms of chronic HBV infection may not appear until years later and can indicate advanced liver disease.

Diagnosing Hepatitis B

The only way to confirm an HBV infection is through blood tests, which can indicate whether a person is currently infected, has cleared the virus, or has never been infected.

Who Should Get Tested for Hepatitis B?

The CDC recommends testing for:

• All pregnant women

• Household and sexual contacts of people with HBV

• Individuals born in regions with high rates of HBV

• People with certain medical conditions (HIV, undergoing chemotherapy, on hemodialysis)

• Injection drug users

• Men who have sex with men

Testing can identify infections, allowing for timely medical care and prevention strategies

Source by www.ghanaweb.com