Hepatitis B : meaning, symptoms and causes

Hepatitis B : meaning, symptoms and causes

Hepatitis B is known as the silent killer as it can grow in your body for years but doesn’t even show any symptoms while it damages the liver. Hepatitis B affects a few million people globally however people are surprisingly unaware about it. Hepatitis B is a viral infection which is caused by Hepatitis B Virus. If left untreated it can lead to serious lifelong conditions such as liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer. There are two kinds of hepatitis B known as :

  • Acute Hepatitis B : a short term infection
  • Chronic Hepatitis B : a long term infection

Hepatitis B can easily spread through contact with infected bodily fluids. It is highly contagious. It doesn’t spread through other casual contact such as hugging, sharing food and more. Here are ways it can spread :

  • through Blood : shared needles, razors
  • Through unprotected sex : semen or vaginal fluid
  • through saliva : kissing and sharing toothbrush
  • From mother to baby : during childbirth

Hepatitis B doesn’t show its symptoms until the damage is big. However here is a list of symptoms when they do start to appear :

  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Jaundice
  • Dark urine
  • Lost appetite
  • Abdominal pain

Prevention of Hepatitis B is better than finding its cure. Hepatitis B can be avoided if proper care and precautions are taken. Hepatitis B vaccine is the most preferred and effective way to prevent it. There are various other ways to reduce the transmission of the virus such as :

  • Use protection during sexual intercourse
  • Make sure to avoid sharing needles and razors
  • Visit licensed and hygienic tattoo and piercing studios
  • If pregnant, go for screening.

Hepatitis B is a complex condition however it is absolutely treatable. With early vaccines and proper care it can be prevented.