Transcript HepatitisB
Hepatitis B
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Sexually Transmitted Infection
Infects the liver and causes inflammation
About 1/3 people in the world have
Hepatitis B
Can lead to sickness or death
There is a vaccination preventing it
Signs and Symptoms
begins with general sickness, loss of
appetite, nausea, vomiting, body aches,
mild fever, and dark urine
The illness lasts for a few weeks then
gradually improves
In some cases, it can cause to liver failure
which can lead to death
Liver cancer
Transmission
Exposure to infectious blood or body fluids
containing blood
Possible forms: sexual contact, blood
transfusion, and reuse of contaminated
needles and syringes
Mothers can pass it to their children during
childbirth
Diagnosis
The test involves getting a blood test
The test detects either viral antigens
(proteins produced by the virus) or
antibodies
Can get tested at almost any doctor’s office
Prevention
Several vaccine’s have been developed to
prevent Hep B
Provides 85-90% of protection in most
individuals
Infants can be vaccinated at birth
Don’t have unprotected sex!
Treatment
Treatment is not always vital as a small
case will usually not lead to anything.
There is treatment for chronic hepatitis to
prevent liver cancer and cirrhosis
Babies born to mothers carrying hepatitis B
can be treated with antibodies to the virus.
When given the vaccine within 12 hours of
birth, the risk of getting Hep B is reduced
90%