What is Hepatitis B (HBV) & How Do You Get It?

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What is Hepatitis B (HBV) & How Do You Get It?

Disclaimer: Not medical or professional advice. Always seek the advice of your physician.

Hepatitis B (HBV) is a liver infection caused by a virus that can lead to severe complications, such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.

The hepatitis B virus is 50-100 times more infectious than HIV.
There is no cure for chronic hepatitis B virus.
20–30% of people with chronic hepatitis will develop cirrhosis and/or liver cancer.
The virus has high stability. It can survive outside the body for more than 7 days and still cause infection.
People with a chronic hepatitis B infection can enjoy a long and healthy life in case of early disease detection and appropriate follow-up medical care.

The liver is the body's chemical laboratory. It performs over 500 vital functions, whereas most organs are responsible for several processes. The liver's primary functions include blood filtering, detoxification, carbohydrate and fat metabolism regulation, and bile production. The liver is involved in the formation of urea and lymph. It is also a significant blood reservoir and storage site for vitamins and minerals (iron). Moreover, stored glycogen can be metabolized into glucose to supply energy to the body.

The hepatitis B virus attacks liver cells and impairs the liver's ability to regenerate. The liver cells die and form scar tissue that disrupts the liver structure and function. Fortunately, the liver can function even when up to 80% is diseased or removed.

What is Hepatitis B

Symptoms of Hepatitis B

Depending on the type of hepatitis virus and the stage of progression, symptoms can vary. The acute type causes a more severe illness, while people with chronic hepatitis have vague symptoms (they may not notice any signs for a long time).

The Following are the Most Common Symptoms of HBV

yellowing of the whites of the eyes and skin
weakness, tenderness in the upper right side of the abdomen
recurring intense pain in the liver
nausea in the morning
bloated stomach
periodic fever
darkening of the color of urine
pale stools
loss of appetite
tiredness and fatigue
frequent nosebleeds
bruising after minor injuries

Once hepatitis B becomes chronic, patients may develop signs of liver failure in addition to the main symptoms. Consequently, it can lead to the intoxication of the body. If left untreated at this stage it can cause nervous system problems.

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How is Hepatitis B Virus Transmitted?

transfusion of infected blood
non-sterile instruments in hospitals, dentistry, tattoo, and body piercing studios
sharing syringes to inject drugs
unprotected sex with an infected person
from mother to baby during childbirth

Hepatitis B can be prevented by vaccines. HBV is not spread through household contact. For example, you cannot get the virus from sharing utensils, hugging, kissing, or coughing. Besides, mothers with hepatitis B can safely breastfeed their babies.

Who is at Risk for Hepatitis B?

People who have unprotected sex with multiple sexual partners.
Persons who inject drugs.
Healthcare workers (especially surgeons, pathologists, hemodialysis specialists, oncologists, dentists, and laboratory workers in contact with blood serum).
Patients with renal failure who are undergoing hemodialysis.
Patients receiving regular blood transfusions (such as patients with thalassemia and hemophilia).
Emergency workers.

If you think you have been exposed to Hepatitis B, contact your doctor immediately. Preventive treatment might reduce your risk of infection if you receive the treatment within 24 hours of exposure to the virus.

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