28/07/2017
GREAT! It's world Hepatitis Day. 28072017
There are 5 types of Hepatitis;A,B,C,D,E. However, more emphasis is on B because of it virulent, global health and economic burden.
Hepatitis B is a potentially life-threatening liver infection caused by Hepatitis B Virus(HBV). It is a major global health problem. It can cause chronic infection and put people at high risk of death from cirrhosis and liver cancer.
It is mostly common in western Pacific and Africa.
TRANSMISSION
HBV can survive outside the body for at least 7days. During this time, the virus can still cause infection if it enters the body of a person who is not protected by vaccine. On average, the incubation period is 75days.
In highly endemic area, HBV is commonly transmitted from mother to child at birth or through infected blood transfusion. It is also spread by percutaneous or mucosal exposure to infected blood and various body fluids as well as through saliva,menstrual,vaginal and seminal fluid. Sexual transmission of HBV can occur particularly in unvaccinated partners that indulge in various sexual activities, either homosexuals or heterosexuals. It can also occur through reuse of needles, syringes and sharp objects. Others include dental procedures, tattooing etc.
SMPTOMS
This includes but not limited to yellowing of the skin,eyse(jaundice),dark urine, extreme fatigue, nausea,vomiting, and abdominal pain. ACUTE cases can lead to acute liver failure and subsequently death.
No specific treatment for acute Hepatitis B. Chronic HB can be treated with medicine like oral antiviral agents.
THE BEST APPROACH IS PREVENTION.
World health recommend that ALL infants receive HB vaccine as soon as possible after birth, preferably within 24 hours.
EVERY adult should get tested today.
KEY FACTS
* Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause both acute and chronic disease.
* The virus is transmitted through contact with the blood or other body fluids of infected person.
*An estimated 257 million people are living with Hepatitis B Virus infection (defined as Hepatitis B surface antigen positive).
*In 2015, Hepatitis B resulted in 887000 death, mostly from complications, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
*Hepatitis B is an important occupational hazard for health workers.
*The good news is that it can be prevented by currently available, safe and effective vaccine.
GET TESTED TODAY. IF NEGATIVE, TAKE VACCINE