This is acute Hepatitis B, but it can cause considerable damage to your liver. Your liver helps in digesting the food you eat and stores energy. Hepatitis B is known to cause severe liver damage (cirrhosis) and liver cancer that may lead to death.
How is it transmitted?
Hepatitis B virus is transmitted by contact with blood or any bodily fluids of an infected person carrying the virus. Fluids can be passed via:
- Unprotected sex with a person having Hepatitis B
- Child born to a mother with Hepatitis B
- Sharing syringes and needles
- You can transmit the virus if you have just got infected with acute hepatitis or a carrier of chronic hepatitis B virus.
Hepatitis B virus takes about 2 months to appear in the blood. But it can remain dormant in the blood for months or years.
Types of Hepatitis B
Acute Hepatitis B: The percentage of infected persons getting rid of this virus from their bodies in a matter few months is quite high.
Chronic Hepatitis B: The percentage of infected persons getting rid of this virus from their bodies in a matter of months is extremely low. They are called carriers.
Symptoms of Hepatitis B
The symptoms show up from one to nine months after the initial contact with the virus.
- Jaundice
- Flu-like symptoms that remain for a long time
- Dark coloured urine, light coloured stools
- Tiredness
How to prevent Hepatitis B?
The hepatitis B vaccine offers the best solution to prevent this infection. The vaccine consists of a series of three shots. Teenagers, children, adults at risk and all babies, should be vaccinated.
A combination vaccine (Twinrix) that offers protection against both hepatitis B and hepatitis A is available.
To avoid spreading or getting the virus from others:
- Use a condom when you have sexual intercourse.
- Avoid sharing needles.
- Wear plastic or latex gloves in case you have to come in contact with blood.
- Do not share razors or toothbrushes
Treatment
In many cases, hepatitis B disappears on its own. Symptoms can be relieved by eating healthy food items, avoiding drugs and alcohol, drinking plenty of water and resting at home. Treating chronic hepatitis B depends on how your infection is progressing and the extent of liver damage.
What to do if you think you have Hepatitis B?
- If you think you have the symptoms mentioned, rush to the doctor!
- There are many health departments in Australia with special clinics that offer treatment for hepatitis B. In case you don't know where to go, call your local family planning clinic for more information. No matter where you receive treatment, your case will be kept absolutely private.
- Don't forget to tell your sexual partner. Hepatitis B spreads through exchange of bodily fluids during sexual intercourse.