Guest Author - A. Maria Hester, M.D.
Hepatitis B is a common viral infection that in some cases leads to cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer. While blood transfusions were once a common source of this potentially deadly virus, this is no longer the case. Most cases are contracted by sexual exposure.
How is hepatitis B contracted?
This viral infection is usually transmitted by sexual contact or by blood or blood products. While most cases are the result of heterosexual transmission, other activities can successfully result in transmission of the virus from one person to another. For instance, medical personnel who are exposed to blood products are at an increased risk and should be vaccinated against this virus. It is important to note, however, that just as with the HIV virus, the virus that causes hepatitis B must have a portal of entry into the body. In other words, simply being in a room with someone with the virus does not put you at risk, while unprotected sexual activity does. Likewise, those who use IV drugs and share needles are at increased risk. Fortunately, in America the blood supply is screened so well that the risk of contracting hepatitis B from a blood transfusion is less than 1 in 170,000 per unit of blood. Vertical transmission, or hepatitis B infection passed from the mother to her baby is another means of transmission.
What are the symptoms?
The average incubation period, or the time between initial infection and manifestation of symptoms, is between 1 to 6 months. For some, the onset of symptoms may be abrupt while for others it is more insidious. Some people develop yellowing of the skin, but most people do not. Malaise, decreased hunger, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, joint and muscles aches, and a rash are more common symptoms. Many people experience abdominal pain in the upper right side of the abdomen where the liver resides. While fever is often present, it is usually a low fever and high fevers are not very common with acute hepatitis B infection.
Is hepatitis B treatable?
While there is treatment for acute hepatitis B infection it is not foolproof. Even with treatment many people become chronic carriers of the virus. However, a high percentage of people with early hepatitis B never seek medical attention and their diagnosis comes to light later in life when they have a hepatitis B test to look for potential causes of abnormal liver functions tests, which may simply be an incidental finding picked up when their doctors ordered a complete chemistry blood test for other reasons.
While most people with hepatitis B do not become chronic carriers of the virus, whether or not they receive treatment, chronic hepatitis B can be devastating. The risk of developing cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer is significantly higher in those with chronic hepatitis B infection.
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