I'm sure many people think there's no other disease that's worse than
HIV/AIDS, but truth be told, Hepatitis B infection is deadlier. The Hepatitis B
Virus (HBV) is 50 to 100 times more infectious than HIV; it’s such a perfect
silent killer! In most cases, HBV causes limited infection which people manage
to fight off successfully within a few months, developing an immunity that
lasts a lifetime. However, some don’t get rid of the infection (these people
are called carriers). In a few others, the infection becomes chronic leading to
cirrhosis (hardening of the liver) or liver cancer which eventually leads to
failure of the organ/death.
What is Hepatitis B?
It is a serious disease or illness of
the liver caused by the HBV. Hepatitis is "inflammation" of the liver
which simply means the swelling of the liver after being infected by the
hepatitis virus. Let’s liken the liver to a red tomato: It looks smooth, fresh
and red when it’s healthy. But, when the tomato is infected, rather than
looking fresh, you will begin to see some irritating darkish spots. The healthy
and infected liver, in the same way, have distinct looks.
Causes/Mode of
Transmission/Risk Factors
These viruses gain access into the
body cells, take them up and rebuild to their own taste. At this stage, the
immune system of the body sees these deformed cells as ‘foreign ‘and starts
destroying them not knowing that this is 'suicide'. HBV is spread by infected
blood and other bodily fluids such as semen, vaginal secretions, saliva
(through kissing) and open sores. Others are blood transfusions, tattooing, piercing,
and sharing needles, razors or toothbrushes with an infected person, transmission
from mother to child, working in healthcare setting.
Signs and Symptoms
After contracting this virus, the
incubation period i.e, the period from when it multiplies within the body to
the time it starts making you know of its presence through symptoms and signs
is the incubation period. This is usually within 6weeks to 6months. Some of the
symptoms are developed in the acute phase. They include, but not limited to:
·
Jaundice
(yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes and/or a brownish/orange tint to
the urine)
·
Unusually
light-coloured stool
·
Mild
fever and body aches
·
Unexplained
fatigue that persists for weeks or months
·
Gastrointestinal
Tract symptoms such as loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting
·
Abdominal
distention and pain (from an enlarged liver)
·
Hair
loss which can be on the head, armpit, pubic areas
·
Swelling
of the cheeks
·
Big
breasts in men and the opposite in women
·
Easy
bruisability that is, you have a cut and before you can stop bleeding, it might
take forever
·
Weight
Loss
Despite all of these, it must be clearly stated that about
30% of those infected do not show typical signs or symptoms. Frequently, there
will be no symptoms, and it is only discovered in a blood test.
Exams and Test
Blood tests detect either the viral
antigens (proteins produced by the virus) or antibodies produced by the host
(the infected person).
Prevention
The good news is that Hepatitis B is
preventable. And for those who already contracted it, there are ways of
reducing its complications and even "wiping it out of your system".
In simple terms, avoid the various modes of transmission highlighted earlier on
and get vaccinated. Hepatitis B vaccine, which is in 3 doses, helps to confer
resistance to the virus even when you come in contact with it.
Treatment
In some cases, people are able to ward off the virus and their bodies develop lifelong immunity against the virus. In others, treatment include the use of antiviral drugs that in most cases help reduce the complications of the disease and doing series of tests to check the viral level in the body which can be money consuming. Hepatitis B virus infection is a deadly disease because in most cases "e dey show for face" and it crumbles the life of an individual rapidly without wasting time. But let's remember that "prevention, they say, is always better than cure". So, please get vaccinated!!!
In some cases, people are able to ward off the virus and their bodies develop lifelong immunity against the virus. In others, treatment include the use of antiviral drugs that in most cases help reduce the complications of the disease and doing series of tests to check the viral level in the body which can be money consuming. Hepatitis B virus infection is a deadly disease because in most cases "e dey show for face" and it crumbles the life of an individual rapidly without wasting time. But let's remember that "prevention, they say, is always better than cure". So, please get vaccinated!!!
For
Questions and Help, contact us
Email: hrfnigeria@gmail.com
Twitter: @HRF_Nigeria
Phone No: 08135359969
