Hepatitis-B
Hepatitis B is a serious infectious disease caused by the hepatitis B virus. This virus penetrates the liver cells and causes inflammation there. Some people experience few or no symptoms while others can be crippled by pain. This depends on the severity of the inflammation. Hepatitis is also called jaundice. This is due to an inflamed liver.
The hepatitis B virus is carried in the blood and is highly infectious. The virus also occurs in bodily fluids, such as sperm and vaginal fluid. However, blood is the most contagious.
How is it transmitted?
- During birth:
the mother has Hepatitis B in her blood, and transmits it to baby before or during birth - Blood to blood contact:
Drug users who use each other (infected) syringes and needles. Joint use of each other's infected razor blades. Medical staff may also be at risk, for example a nurse who accidentally jabs himself with an infected needle. - Sexual contact:
Intercourse without the use of condoms. The risk of infection becomes even bigger when there is damage to the mucosa. Anal sex carries the greatest risks. The mucous membranes become very easily damaged in this form of sexual contact. The risk during intercourse without a condom during a menstrual period is obviously huge.
Symptoms in men and women
Often, Hepatitis B is symptomless, but 1 in 3 will manifest symptoms. This usually occurs 2 weeks to 6 months after the time of infection.
Symptoms may include:
- lethargy
- fatigue
- abdominal pain
- itching
- joint pain
- fever
Once infection sets in, jaundiece can occur. Eyes and skin may turn yellow. Urine becomes dark and faeces becomes light. As soon as the virus is treated, the liver usually recovers swiftly. However, sometimes the liver remains inflamed and symptoms remain. This is called chronic hepatitis B.
In 5 to 10 percent of the 'cured', the virus remains in the body for many years, sometimes for a lifetime. The body does not create any antibodies that completely destroy the virus. Someone who still carries this virus is also called a carrier of the hepatitis B virus. These "carriers" can go through life without physical complaints, but they remain infectious and can pass the virus on to other people.
Research
Physical and blood tests should indicate whether you have hepatitis B.
Prevention
Prevent others from touching contaminated blood, for example on toothbrushes, razors, shavers, nail clippers, faeces or sanitary napkins. When infected blood is on the skin or mucous membranes, it must be washed off as quickly as possible. Until the virus has disappeared from the blood, sexual contact must be protected, condoms must be used.
Medicines
Usually, the disease cures itself. If your liver inflammation persists, you will be referred to a specialist, who will assess whether and what medicines are needed.
Hepatitis B is usually cured after a year. The blood is checked after six months. If the virus is out of the blood, you are no longer contagious and you can not regain the virus. However, some people continue to carry the virus and remain contagious.
Vaccination
Innoculation against Hep B is available and usually free. High risk individuals may be vaccinated, for example; partners of those with Hep B; mothers with Hep B; healthcare workers; nurses; residents of homes for the mentally ill. If you have Hep B, you should inform your partner so they can have themselves vaccinated.
Your GP is obliged to report any case of Hep B.
Also see these information articles: · Candida infection · Chickenpox · Chlamydia · HIV and AIDS · Rubella · Toxoplasmosis · Vaginal infections
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