Say no to Hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B (HBV) is an infection of the liver; it causes inflammation of the liver. It is a deadly disease when it becomes chronic, but it can actually be managed. 
Sufferers don’t mostly have the symptoms at early stage, symptoms occur when it becomes severe. Chronic Hepatitis B can live for up to 30 years in humans before it develops; and causes great damage to the liver at that period.

Some of these symptoms include:

1.     Onset of sickness with vomiting;

2.     Yellowish skin;

3.     Fatigue;

4.     Darkening of urine;

5.     Abdominal pain and

6.     Itchy skin:  which is an indication of possible symptom of all hepatitis virus types.

Once symptoms persist for a relatively long period without medical attention, it could lead to death. 90% of those who were born with this virus develop chronic Hepatitis, while less than 10% of those who contracted it after age of five don’t.Most of those with chronic HBV have no symptoms, however, Cirrhosis (serious disease of the liver) and liver cancer may eventually develop.Those complications result in the death of 15% to 25% of those with chronic disease.

How do you contract Hepatitis B?

The virus can be transmitted through exposure to infectious blood or body fluids. The most frequent way of contracting this virus is through childbirth or from body contact with other people during childhood. Intravenous drug use and sexual intercourse are the most frequent routes of infection in places where this virus is rare. 

There are other risk factors also in which this disease can be contracted. They include:

1.     Working in health care;

2.     Blood transfusion;

3.      Living with an infected person;

4.     Travelling to countries where the infection rate is high;

5.     The use of unsterilized tools, most especially during tattooing.

Fear of Hepatitis B should not derail you from communicating with others because you cannot get infected by holding hands, sharing utensils, kissing, hugging, coughing, sneezing or breast-feeding.

How do you diagnose this infection?

The infection can be diagnosed 30 to 60 days after exposure. Diagnosis is typically by testing the blood for parts of the virus and for antibodies against it.

How do you curb this Virus?

 As an individual we have a vital role to play in preventing this virus. One of the best ways to prevent this virus is right from birth.
 The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended vaccination in the first day of life if possible.
 It is recommended that all blood be tested for Hepatitis B before transfusion; more so avoid unprotected sex. (Use a condom). Chronic carriers are encouraged to avoid consuming alcohol as it increases their risk for cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Why Vaccination?

Vaccination is a natural way to stimulate our immune system to fight a disease.

Never underrate these vaccines given to infants at your hospitals because researches had made it known that these vaccines work about 95% of the time. That is why it is very important to do your child delivery at the hospitals.

Treatment Required For This Virus

•       Conduct a HBsAg test;
•       If negative, receive the vaccine;
•       The vaccine is to be taken, 3 times at 0, 1 and at 6 months;
•       Protection is lifelong. 

Therefore, you are hereby admonished to go for a test. Don’t panic, get tested once you know you have the chance of getting infected. Health is wealth, delay may bring costly consequences. Your life means a lot to the world. 

 

                       SAY NO TO HEPATITIS B AND LIVE