Bebe Akinboade
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BEWARE, HEPATITIS B VIRUS IS DEADLIER THAN HIV!!!

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Hepatitis B is a
new silent epidemic ravaging the health of Nigerians. Recent statistics
indicate that not less than 23 million Nigerians are estimated to be infected
with the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), making Nigeria one of the countries with the
highest incidence of HBV infection in the world.
WHAT IS HEPATITIS B
Hepatitis B is a
virus that infects the liver. It is spread through contact with the blood and
body fluids of an infected person. Most adults who get it have it for a short
time and then get better. This is called acute hepatitis B. Sometimes the virus
causes a long-term infection, called chronic hepatitis B. Over time, it can
damage the liver. Babies and young children infected with the virus are more
likely to get chronic hepatitis B. Its possible to have hepatitis B and not
know it. You may not have symptoms. If you do, they can make you feel like you
have the flu. But as long as you have the virus, you can spread it to others.
HOW DOES IT SPREAD
You may get
hepatitis B if you:
– Have sex with an
infected person without using a condom.
– Share needles
(used for injecting drugs) with an infected person.
– Get a tattoo or
piercing with tools that weren’t sterilized.
– Share personal
items like razors or toothbrushes with an infected person.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms include:
– Feeling very
tired.
– Mild fever.
– Headache.
– Not wanting to
eat.
– Feeling sick to
your stomach or vomiting.
– Belly pain.
– Diarrhea or
constipation.
– Muscle aches and
joint pain.
– Skin rash.
– Yellowish eyes
and skin (jaundice). Jaundice usually appears only after other symptoms have
started to go away.
Most people with
chronic hepatitis B have no symptoms.

DIAGNOSIS
A simple blood test
can tell your doctor if you have the hepatitis B virus now or if you had it in
the past. Your doctor also may be able to tell if you have had the vaccine to
prevent the virus. If your doctor thinks you may have liver damage from
hepatitis B, he or she may use a needle to take a tiny sample of your liver for
testing. This is called a liver biopsy.
TREATMENT
In most cases,
hepatitis B goes away on its own. You can relieve your symptoms at home by
resting, eating healthy foods, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding alcohol
and drugs. Also, find out from your doctor what medicines and herbal products
to avoid, because some can make liver damage caused by hepatitis B worse.
Treatment for
chronic hepatitis B depends on whether your infection is getting worse and
whether you have liver damage. Most people with chronic hepatitis B can live
active, full lives by taking good care of themselves and getting regular
checkups. There are medicines for chronic hepatitis B, but they may not be
right for everyone. Work with your doctor to decide if medicine is right for
you. Sometimes, chronic hepatitis B can lead to severe liver damage. If this
happens, you may need a liver transplant.
PREVENTION
The hepatitis B
vaccine is the best way to prevent infection. The vaccine is a series of 3 or 4
shots. Adults at risk and all babies, children, and teenagers should be
vaccinated. A combination vaccine (Twinrix) that protects against both
hepatitis B and hepatitis A also is available.
HOW TO AVOID
GETTING OR SPREADING THE VIRUS
To avoid getting or
spreading the virus to others:
– Use a condom when
you have sex.
– Don’t share
needles.
– Wear latex or
plastic gloves if you have to touch blood.
– Don’t share
toothbrushes or razors.
– Don’t get a
tattoo, or make sure that the needles used have been cleaned properly and are
sterile.
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