“B” Sure You’re Safe from Hep B

Did you know that Hepatitis B, a virus 50-100 times more infectious than HIV, can be contracted both in the United States and abroad? To remain safe, “B” sure to take a moment to learn about this disease.

What is Hepatitis B?                  

Inflammation of the liver can be the result of many causes, including contraction of the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). Hepatits B is the most serious type of viral hepatitis because HBV can survive outside the body for at least seven days and lead to infection during this time. If you are exposed to HBV, the virus could go on to cause acute and/or chronic disease.

How could I be exposed?

• Hepatitis B is transmitted through bodily fluids such as blood, semen, and vaginal fluid. Common points of contraction are:
• Birth (spread from an inflected mother to her baby)
• Unprotected sex with an infected partner
• Sharing needles, syringes, or other drug-injection equipment
• Exposure to blood from needle sticks or other sharp instruments
• Sharing items such as razors or toothbrushes
• Direct contact with the blood or open sores of an infected individual

Hepatitis B can also be an occupational hazard in the healthcare profession, though it’s important to note that HBV cannot be spread casually in the workplace, or through contaminated food and water.

What symptoms should I be aware of?  

Acute illness occurs in the first six months after exposure to HBV, during which time the disease may show itself in symptoms including jaundice, dark urine, extreme fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and joint pain. These symptoms occur in 70% of exposed individuals and last several weeks in those whom they appear, though not all who contract Hepatitis B may experience symptoms. However, individuals who do not show symptoms may still spread the virus.

For some, Hepatitis B may progress from a short-term illness to a lifelong disease. Chronic Hepatitis B is most commonly seen in individuals who have had exposure to HBV during infancy and the beginning of childhood. Chronic illness often leads to cirrhosis or cancer of the liver. Currently, the regions of the world most affected by chronic Hepatitis B are China, East Asia, the Amazon, and the southern parts of Central and Eastern Europe.

What’s the best treatment?

Care for individual’s affected by Hepatitis B is limited to maintaining comfort during the progression of symptoms. In addition, the conditions caused by chronic Hepatitis B can be fatal. If you are concerned you may have been exposed, please consult a medical professional at a travel clinic for testing. Infected pregnant women risk passing the virus to their newborns, but this can be prevented by treating the infant with Hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and administering the first vaccination shortly after birth.

It’s recommended that all infants undergo a course of vaccination as part of existing routine immunization schedules. If you are above 18 and have not been vaccinated, it’s important to consider your points of exposure. Individuals who may require blood or organ transplants, who are travelers to countries with high rates of Hepatitis B, and who are in relationships with or belong to the household of infected people, should certainly take steps to become vaccinated.

The Hepatitis vaccine is given in a course of three or four separate doses over a six-month period. Vaccination has no side effects beyond mild soreness at the site of injection. After completing the series, you have 90% immunity from the virus, and can rest assured that you have taken the best course towards preventing spread of this disease.