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Hepatitis B

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Hepatitis B Virus is one of a family of related DNA viruses that affect the liver. It is transmitted through vaginal, anal, and oral sex, or sharing needles. It can also be transmitted from mother to newborn during vaginal childbirth.

People at risk include:

• Household contact with chronically infected persons
• Having multiple sex partners
• Men who have sex with men
• Injection drug users

Signs & Symptoms: are less common in children than adults, however no symptoms may occur.

• Jaundice (over a period of 3-10 days)
• Fever
• Body weakness or discomfort
• Headaches
• Muscle pains
• Poor appetite
• Nausea or vomiting
• Right upper abdominal pain
• Skin rashes
• Joint pain or arthritis
• Dark urine
• Light or gray stools
• Tender or enlarged liver

Complications & Consequences:

• In most adults acute Hepatitis B results in a complete recovery
• Serious Hepatitis occurs in 1% - 2% of people with a mortality rate of 63% - 93%
• Cirrhosis of liver
• Drinking alcohol can make your liver disease worse
• Hepatocelluar Carcinoma (Blood Cancer)
• About 10% of all acute HBV infections progress to chronic Hepatitis B
• For infants who acquired Hepatitis B at birth about 90% progress to chronic Hepatitis B
• Death

Prevention:

• Hepatitis B vaccine
• Appropriate use of latex condoms and barriers
• Hepatitis B testing during pregnancy
• Avoid use of injection drugs, shared needles, syringes, water, or drugs
• If you have Hepatitis B, do not donate blood organs or tissue
• Do not share personal items that may have blood on them (razors, toothbrushes ...etc.)

Vaccine Recommendations:

• Routine vaccination of newborns to 18 year olds
• Men who have sex with men
• Heterosexuals with multiple sex partners
• Prostitutes
• Injection drug users
• Persons diagnosed with STD
• Persons receiving dialysis
• Healthcare workers