Understanding Hepatitis B: Essential Facts, Prevention Tips, and Treatment Options

Hepatitis B is a serious infection that affects the liver. It can either be acute—short-term and severe—or chronic, meaning long-lasting. The virus can lead to significant health issues like liver damage, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer if not treated properly.

How does it spread? Hepatitis B spreads mainly through contact with infected blood and body fluids. This includes transmission from mother to child during birth, sharing needles, or unprotected sex. Interestingly, in infants, about 95% of cases could turn chronic, while adults have a much lower risk.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 254 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B in 2022, and there were 1.2 million new cases that year. Alarmingly, hepatitis B led to around 1.1 million deaths, predominantly from liver-related complications. A recent study also noted that the number of children under five with chronic hepatitis B decreased significantly, dropping from about 5% in the pre-vaccine era to just under 1% by 2019.

Most newly infected individuals experience few or no symptoms. However, those who do show signs may present with jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, fatigue, nausea, and abdominal pain. Severe cases can even result in liver failure.

Testing is crucial for diagnosis. Blood tests can confirm hepatitis B infection and differentiate between acute and chronic forms. Surprisingly, as of 2022, only about 13% of people with hepatitis B knew they had it, and only 3% were receiving treatment. This highlights the need for better awareness and testing, especially in regions where the disease is more common.

Treatment options exist for chronic hepatitis B, mainly through antiviral medications like tenofovir and entecavir. While there’s no specific treatment for acute hepatitis, managing symptoms is essential. Many patients need ongoing treatment for life, making access to healthcare critical. According to updated WHO guidelines, more than 50% of those with chronic hepatitis B will need treatment, especially in low-income countries.

Fortunately, hepatitis B can be prevented with a vaccine. The vaccine is typically administered shortly after birth, offering nearly 100% protection. Additional precautions include practicing safe sex and avoiding sharing needles. The WHO recommends that all infants receive the vaccine within 24 hours after birth to reduce transmission risk.

To raise awareness, campaigns like World Hepatitis Day aim to spread knowledge about this infection and encourage testing and vaccination. Focusing on education and prevention is essential as we strive towards ending hepatitis B and improving global health outcomes.

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