Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver. Although in some cases the immune system is able to fight the hepatitis B virus, there are situations in which the disease becomes chronic, meaning it lasts for more than six months. In such cases, hepatitis B can lead to other complications, especially if it is not kept under control.
Transmission
The main cause of hepatitis B is the hepatitis B virus (HBV). This disease is highly contagious. The virus is transmitted from one person to another through blood, semen, and other bodily fluids. It is important to note that hepatitis B is not spread through coughing or sneezing, even though the virus may be present in saliva.
The incubation period of the hepatitis B virus is, on average, about 70 days, but it can range from 40 to 180 days. Outside the body, the virus can survive for up to seven days, during which time a person can become infected if the virus enters the body.
Main ways of transmission of the hepatitis B virus (HBV):
unprotected sexual contact with an infected person, through seminal, vaginal, or menstrual fluids;
reuse of contaminated, non-sterilized needles and syringes;
during dental, medical, or surgical procedures if contaminated and non-sterilized instruments are used;
perinatal transmission from mother to child; however, the newborn can be vaccinated to prevent HBV infection.
Symptoms
abdominal pain;
fever;
joint pain;
dark-colored urine;
loss of appetite;
fatigue;
nausea or vomiting;
jaundice (yellowing of the whites of the eyes and the skin).
Because symptoms appear later in hepatitis B and the chronic form develops slowly, most people do not know they are infected. That is why routine tests play an important role in detecting the disease at an early stage.
Risk of infection
The risk of contracting the hepatitis B virus is higher in the following cases:
people living with an infected person, especially if they are not vaccinated;
unprotected sexual contact with multiple partners or an infected partner;
people who use injectable drugs and share needles;
medical staff who frequently come into contact with patients’ blood;
people traveling to countries with a high rate of hepatitis B infection (Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe).
Complications
hepatitis (inflammation of the liver);
liver cirrhosis;
liver cancer;
death.
Prevention
Vaccination against hepatitis B is the most effective method of prevention. It is administered in 4 doses over several months. Babies receive the first dose at birth, and the others are given later along with other mandatory vaccines.
The vaccine contains a dose of antibodies that help the body fight the HBV virus for up to 20 years. In some cases, this dose may be sufficient for life. The vaccine is especially recommended for children, who have a higher risk of infection compared to adults. However, it can be given at any age.
Other preventive measures include maintaining proper hygiene and avoiding unprotected sexual contact.
Although hepatitis B cannot always be cured, it can be kept under control. In some cases, the body clears the infection on its own, but chronic hepatitis B can affect a person throughout their entire life.
Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to prevent hepatitis B.
