There are many misconceptions when it comes to Hepatitis B.
Let’s set the record straight.
Fact
Hepatitis B virus or HBV infection affects the liver and can lead to cirrhosis (liver scarring), liver failure, liver cancer and death. There are approximately 300million HBC carriers in the world, of whom, 75%are found in Asia Pacific. Hepatitis B can’t be spread by
- Hugging
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Casual contact
- Sharing of eating utensils
It CAN be spread by contact with an infected person’s blood or body fluids including sexual contact with an infected person, use of contaminated skin piercing equipment, and contact with blood from infected mother to child during birth.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms are usually mild or absent in young children. In adults they may include yellow skin or yellowing of whites of eyes, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, clay-coloured bowel movement and joint pain.
How do i check if i have Hepatitis B?
It can be confirmed by a blood test. Do check for HBV infection if (i) your sexual partner has Hepatitis B; (ii) your family member has been diagnosed with Hepatitis B; (iii) one of your immediate family member has liver cancer.
Can a person infected with Hepatitis B be cured?
Most people will recover, but many will carry the virus in the body. In adult acquired infection, about 10% do not recover completely.
Many may not be aware that they are carriers as they show no symptoms.
However, they may develop complications such as liver cancer
Protect yourself against Hepatitis B
- Get immunized.
- Keep to one sexual partner.
- Do not share personal items like razors, toothbrushes or anything that may break the skin.
- Do not share injection needles.
- Make sure piercing and tattooing are disposable or sterilised after use.
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Information is provided by Dept of General Surgery, Singapore General Hospital.
This article first appeared in Jetstar magazine.