Download 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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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%