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