Hepatitis B is serious and common infectious disease, affecting millions of people throughout the world.
Transmission:
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Unprotected sexual contact (vaginal, anal & oral sex).
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Mother to child at birth (transmission is common but the baby can be protected by being vaccinated immediately and breastfeeding is allowed if there are no cracked nipples).
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Sharing contaminated drug using equipment e.g. needles, snorting equipment etc.
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Blood to blood contact e.g. blood transfusions etc. (only in countries where blood is not screened).
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Exposure to other body fluids e.g. saliva (but not usually through kissing).
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Using contaminated personal hygiene items e.g. toothbrushes, razors, nail clippers etc.
Hepatitis B Facts
Hepatitis B can live outside the body on surfaces for up to 7 days and is considered 100 times more infectious than HIV.
Phases of Hepatitis B infection:
There are two main phases of Hepatitis B: acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term).
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Acute Hepatitis B: 90% of people get an acute version of Hepatitis B, that is to say that they clear the virus naturally from their bodies within 6 months. They usually develop immunity to Hepatitis B for life.
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Chronic Hepatitis B: 10% of people do not clear the Hepatitis B virus from their bodies naturally and go on to develop a long-term infection. A large proportion of people with chronic Hepatitis B do very well but in some people the virus progresses quickly and can result in cirrhosis (widespread scarring of the liver), cancer, liver failure and even death.
Treatment:
Treatment is available for hepatitis B. Chronic hepatitis B infection is usually treated with alpha/pegylated interferon to help prevent further liver damage; however, not everyone can take interferon due to serious side effects. There are some other treatment options available in this instance. Treatment usually lasts a number of months during which time the patient will be carefully monitored.
Prevention:
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Vaccine – there is a safe and effective vaccine available for Hepatitis B. It is available either on its own or in conjunction with Hepatitis A.
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Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) – emergency treatment is available within 72 hours for anyone who has been exposed to Hepatitis B. PEP can prevent the hepatitis B virus establishing itself in the blood stream. It is available in most Accident and Emergencies and Sexual Health Clinics.
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Safer sex.
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Safer drug using practices.
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Do not share contaminated personal grooming items e.g. toothbrushes, nail clippers.
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Safe cleaning of body fluids – e.g. using gloves, bleach, safe disposal methods.
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Education.