Hepatitis B | All You Need to Know About Hepatitis B

Conclusion

Inflammation of the liver by hepatitis B virus (HBV) is termed hepatitis B. It is contagious and is transmitted via the exchange of body fluids. The virus is most commonly transmitted to infants via the mother-to-child route. However, people committing polygamy sharing personal items and needles are at a greater risk of developing hepatitis B.

The disease manifests itself as hepatic and extrahepatic symptoms. Hepatic symptoms include abdominal pain, loss of appetite, weight changes, and jaundice. Extrahepatic symptoms include muscle/joint aches, fever, dark urine, vasculitis, and fatigue. Hepatitis B is diagnosed via blood tests (CBC, LFTs) and hepatitis serology tests (HbsAg, Anti-Hbs. Anti-Hbc, etc.).

Acute hepatitis B doesn’t need any treatment, while antiviral medicines such as lamivudine, tenofovir, etc. are used to combat the virus. Interferon injections and nucleoside analogs are also used in the treatment. Hepatitis B vaccine is 98-100% effective against infection.

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