HEPATITIS B INFECTION
Source: www.africanakua.com |Dr. Olasemo Ayodeji MaOzi, Nigeria
Hepatitis B infection simply means infection with hepatitis B virus.
FACTS
*About one-third of the world population is infected with Hepatitis B.
*Over 400million carriers of HBV (Hepatitis B Virus).
*HBV is about a 100 times more infectious than HIV.
Approximately 600,000 people die annually from HBV related diseases.
TRANSMISSION
*Blood and bloodborne products
*Semen
*Vaginal secretions
*Mother-to-child.
COMPLICATIONS
*Liver failure
*Liver Cancer
*Infection with HBV ultimately results in death
PREVENTION
*Vaccination (3-4 injectable vaccine over 6 months which confers immunity for roughly 10 years).
PREVENTION OF MOTHER TO CHILD TRANSMISSION
*Immunization of the newborn + Hepatitis B immunoglobulin within 48hours of life.
PRECAUTIONS
*Know your status
*Use of condoms (protected sex)
*Be cautious about instruments used in body piercings and tattoos
*Avoid use of illegal drugs.
Credit
Medscape