Hepatitis B (HBV) - Hep B
Hepatitis is the name given to a group of viruses which cause
inflammation
and swelling of the liver. The name, "Hepatitis", although now commonly
applied to the various strains and subtypes of virus, actually means
"inflammation or swelling of the liver".
There are several strains of virus which cause hepatitis, the most commonly
occurring ones being; Hepatitis A Virus (HAV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)
and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV).
People who have the hepatitis virus may not show any signs or symptoms
of infection or the disease may develop over a period of weeks or months.
At particular risk for all hepatitis infections is anyone who uses street
drugs since concealment of drugs within the mouth, vagina or rectum
at some stage during their transportation to the end user is not an
uncommon practice.
Hepatitis B (HBV) - Hep B
Hepatitis B (HBV) is a very serious form of hepatitis and is
spread predominantly by coming into contact with the body
fluids
of an infected person (blood, semen, vaginal secretions, saliva, breast
milk).
This can occur during sex or by some other means such as sharing needles
for drug use or poor hygiene practices at acupuncturists, tattoo or
body / ear-piercing establishments.
There is also strong evidence the virus may be spread among families
from adults to children through casual contact.
Also at risk from hepatitis B are those people whose work or lifestyle
brings them into contact with people who are infected.
Additionally, mothers may pass on the infection to their babies during
or after birth. This is particularly serious for the infant since the
majority who do become infected will go on to develop chronic hepatitis,
especially those who contract HBV before they are 12 months old.
Hepatitis B Symptoms
Symptoms of hepatitis B are usually slow to develop but may include
any or all of the following:
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up to 30% of those with hepatitis B will
show no symptoms
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flu-like symptoms
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loss of appetite
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abdominal pain
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nausea
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vomiting
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fatigue
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joint pain
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less commonly, jaundice (yellowing of the
skin and the whites of the eye)
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Hepatitis B Treatment
The most effective treatment against hepatitis B is to be vaccinated.
This is recommended for those whose occupations or lifestyle puts them
at risk, or for medical reasons.
The chronic form of hepatitis B may be treated with Adefovir dipivoxil,
alpha interferon and/or lamivudine.
These drugs should not be used by women who are pregnant or who think
they may be pregnant.
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