Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)

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HEPATITIS B VIRUS

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is a virus that attacks the liver. The virus is transmitted through blood and bodily fluids. This can occur through direct blood-to-blood contact, unprotected sex, use of contaminated needles, and from an effected mother to her newborn during the delivery process. The majority of people do not have noticeable symptoms when they are first infected with the HBV. People who do not know they are infected with the HBV, their body can respond in different ways. I learned that some of the common symptoms of Hepatitis B infection include fever, fatigue, muscle or joint pain, loss of appetite, mild nausea, vomiting, and dark-colored urine. Some of the serious symptoms that require immediate medical attention and maybe even hospitalization are: severe nausea and vomiting, yellow eyes and skin (jaundice), bloated or swollen stomach.

There are some simple blood tests (secondary prevention) such as Hepatitis B Surface Antigen, and (HBSAG), and Hepatitis B Surface Antibody (HBSAB) to find out if you have been infected. There is a safe and effective vaccine such as vaccine interferon alpha, recommended for newborns, infants, and teens, provides immunity for at least five years. In addition to vaccination (primary prevention), there are other simple ways to stop the spread of Hepatitis B. These are a few examples: first avoid direct contact with blood and bodily fluids, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after any potential exposure to blood. You also need to discard soiled items carefully into bags, avoid sharing items such as razors, nail clippers, toothbrushes, and earrings or body rings. In my opinion the most important prevention is to practice safe sex, and making sure new or sterile...

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...ally ill at birth.

Hepatitis B could be could be a big problem for many people because it is so highly contagious, and because it is such a hardy virus that can survive for a long period of time. We know yet because of all the vaccines that are now available, people should take full advantage of these opportunities to protect themselves and health. In closure to the topic of Hepatitis B, I strongly feel that if people were more cautious about their own behavior, and the situations they are in this wouldn't be up for discussion in opinion. If everyone did their part by getting the vaccine, and by being more cautious in their everyday lives, then maybe we could virtually stop the spread of this harmful virus.

Works Cited

(www.medicinenct.com)

(www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/hepatitis)

(www.webmd.com/hepatitis/hepb)

(http://www.emedicinehealth.com/hepatitis_b)

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