World Hepatitis Day is on July 28 aimed at bringing the world together to raise awareness of the disease. The theme for the year 2021 is “Hepatitis can’t wait”, calling on all countries to work together to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030.
What is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a particular type of Hepatitis that is characterised by inflammation of the liver. It is spread by Hepatitis B Virus which potentially causes severe damage and inflammation to the liver, and may lead to liver cirrhosis, if not treated early.
Hepatitis B virus is 50 to 100 times more infectious than HIV. But the huge difference is that it can be prevented by vaccines that are safe, available and effective.
Transmission
This virus gets transferred from one person to another person through unsafe injection and blood transfusion practice, unprotected sexual relations, from a mother to her unborn baby. Hepatitis B also invades the immune system which may aggravate the severity of the disease.
According to World Health Organization WHO, Hepatitis B is also spread by needlestick injury, tattooing, piercing and exposure to infected blood and body fluids, such as saliva and menstrual, vaginal and seminal fluids. Transmission of the virus may also occur through the reuse of contaminated needles and syringes or sharp objects either in health care settings, in the community or among persons who inject drugs. Sexual transmission is more prevalent in unvaccinated persons with multiple sexual partners.
Signs and Symptoms
Many people have hepatitis B without realizing, as some don’t experience any symptoms and their bodies fight it off without treatment.
If people experience symptoms, the following signs start to become noticeable around two or three months after being exposed to the virus.
- Loss of appetite
- Flu-like symptoms such as tiredness, fever and aches
- Abdominal pain
- Feeling sick
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes(jaundice),
- Dark urine
- Extreme fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting.
Incase you have been exposed to the hep B virus or display any of the above symptoms, you should seek medical advice. A simple blood test determine if you have the virus.
Prevention
- All infants receive the hepatitis B vaccine as soon as possible after birth, preferably within 24 hours, followed by 2 or 3 doses of hepatitis B vaccine at least 4 weeks apart to complete the vaccination series. Protection lasts at least 20 years and is probably lifelong.
- Ask for fresh needles and syringes while donating blood or getting injected for any purpose.
- Choose protected sex over the possibility of infection.
- Never use already used piercing or tattooing needles.
- Even while taking salon services, one should ask for fresh blades, sterilised nail cutters etc.
- Get vaccinated as per concerned doctor’s suggestion.
