Hepatitis B, Definition, Causes and Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention

Hepatitis B is an inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus. This virus can be transmitted through sexual intercourse or sharing needles.

Hepatitis B infection generally does not last long in the patient’s body and can heal on its own without treatment. This condition is called acute hepatitis infection or acute hepatitis B. However, hepatitis B infection can also persist and persist in a person’s body or become chronic.

Chronic hepatitis B infection can lead to dangerous complications, such as cirrhosis or liver cancer. Therefore, chronic hepatitis B sufferers need to have regular check-ups with a doctor to get treatment and early detection if complications occur.

Hepatitis B is still commonly found in Indonesia with an increasing number of cases. However, this disease can be prevented through hepatitis B vaccination.

Causes and Symptoms of Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is transmitted through unprotected sex and sharing needles with people with hepatitis B. This is because the hepatitis B virus is in the blood and body fluids, such as sperm or vaginal fluids. In addition, hepatitis B can also be transmitted from pregnant women to their unborn babies.

Hepatitis B often causes no symptoms so the sufferer does not realize that he has been infected. However, symptoms can still appear 1-5 months after exposure to the virus. Symptoms that can appear include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, weakness, and jaundice.

Hepatitis B Treatment

There is no specific method to treat acute hepatitis B, because it will heal on its own. Treatment only aims to relieve the symptoms that appear. Meanwhile, treatment for chronic hepatitis B is with antiviral drugs.

Chronic hepatitis B patients need regular check-ups with a doctor so that the effectiveness of treatment and disease progression can be known. This is because chronic hepatitis B can cause liver damage. If the liver damage is severe enough, your doctor may recommend a liver transplant procedure.

With proper treatment and a healthy lifestyle, people with hepatitis B can live a normal life.

Hepatitis B Vaccination and Prevention

The main step to prevent hepatitis B is through the administration of the hepatitis B vaccine. This vaccine is mandatory for children, but because the effects do not last a lifetime, it is necessary to repeat the vaccination as an adult. Hepatitis B: Explained Demystifying Medicine McMaster