Hepatitis B: Prevent, and Protect Your Liver Health

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause both acute and chronic diseases. It can lead to inflammation of the liver, which results in complications like liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. It is caused by the Hepatitis B virus.

Hepatitis B virus can be transmitted and spread through contact with highly infected bodily fluids like blood, vaginal fluids, sharing of the contaminated needle, contact with infected blood through cuts or sores, unprotected sexual intercourse, use of contaminated instruments for tattooing or piercing and also through the infected mother to the baby.

Hepatitis B has various symptoms that can be easily detected and noticed. A person will often experience fatigue and tiredness, abdominal pain, dark urine, and loss of appetite.

Several prevention measures, like acquiring the highly effective Hepatitis B vaccine, which is recommended for all infants and adults, can minimize the risks that can lead to contraction.

Vaccination as of this case is important for those at a higher risk such as health care workers, people who inject drugs and those with multiple sexual partners.

Safe practices like sterilisation of piercing equipment, use of proper protective equipment when dealing with blood or other bodily fluids, use of protection during sexual intercourse and avoiding sharing of needles and piercing equipment reduce the risk of infection.

Moreover, only chronic Hepatitis B can be treated by acquiring antiviral medications to slow the progression of liver damage. Regular monitoring is essential for people with chronic hepatitis B to detect and manage complications.

Engaging in unhealthy behaviours can put you at risk of contracting hepatitis B.

Awareness should be created, and vaccination and safe practices should be adhered to to prevent the spreading of this virus and protect liver health, as Hepatitis B is an illness that can lead to life-threatening complications.