All You Need to Know about Hepatitis B

Posted by Gandhi Medicos on February 12th, 2021

This infection, which is caused in the liver, is by a virus known as Hepatitis B. This virus causes liver cancer, liver failure, or scarring on organs. Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C viruses are chronic. This means that it lasts for more than six months.

Children and infants are more prone to developing a hepatitis B condition. Hepatitis B can be either chronic or acute. Acute Hepatitis B means the infection was recently contracted, and the symptoms are visible quickly in adults. Within 1 to 4 months after exposure to Hepatitis B, the symptoms will be seen. You will be able to notice the symptoms, unless and otherwise there are complications. If the infection turns chronic, it never leaves one's body.

How does this virus transmit?

The virus may transmit from one person to another in certain ways, as mentioned below.

1. Having direct contact with the blood of an infected person.

2. Transmitting of the virus from mother to baby at the time of birth.

3. Getting pierced by a needle that is contaminated. 

4. Having intimate contact with someone who has Hepatitis B

5. Engaging in sexual intercourse with a person who has Hepatitis B

6. Using items that are contaminated by remnants of fluid that is infected.

Symptoms of Hepatitis B

You will not be able to notice the symptoms for at least a month. It takes around four weeks for you to notice the symptoms. The symptoms are known to range from moderate to severe. Some of the symptoms are noticeable after two weeks post-exposure to infection.

The symptoms which occur in elderly people (60 years and above) for acute hepatitis B are worse. You should immediately inform your doctor if you feel that you were exposed to Hepatitis B. It is easy to prevent the infection in the initial stages.

Some of the common symptoms are:

• Fever
• Pain, especially in the joints
• Dark coloration of urine
• Loss of appetite
• Weakness
• Jaundice 
• Muscle pain
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain

When are you at risk of contracting Hepatitis B?

Some of the risk factors which increase the chances of contracting the Hepatitis B virus are as follows.

• If you are living with someone, who is infected with chronic Hepatitis B virus.
• If you have unprotected sex with someone, who is infected by the Hepatitis B virus.
• If you are having multiple sex partners and practicing unprotected sex.
• If you share needles while using IV drugs.
• If a man has sex with other men.
• If a child is born to a mother, who is infected with Hepatitis B Virus.

Hepatitis B medicines 

Always consult a liver specialist before beginning treatment. The liver specialist evaluates your condition through a series of physical examinations, blood tests, and a study of the image of your liver. After doing so, the liver specialist will then prescribe the treatment.

Here are some of the Hepatitis B medicines which are approved drugs in the USA.

Tenofovir disoproxil, Entecavir, Tenofovir alafenamide (Vemlidy), Adefovir Dipivoxil (Hepsera) Telbivudine (Tyzeka or Sebivo) and Lamivudine (Epivir-HBV, Zeffix, or Heptodin)

If you feel that you have been exposed to the Hepatitis B virus, immediately book an appointment with your doctor. It is possible to provide the best treatment and speed up the healing process during the initial stages. The best solution is to get the Hepatitis B vaccination. This is the best prevention available out there.