Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by the HBV virus. Generally seen as a short-term disease, Hepatitis B could transform into a chronic case under conditions where the virus can multiply and grow. In such cases, the disease could last more than six months. Chances of liver failure increases with the advent of this disease and people might be easily prone to conditions like liver cancer and cirrhosis. The degree of risk by Hepatitis B depends upon the age of the patient as well. Younger children - especially under the age of six are easily prone to develop life-long chronic infections. Children above six years of age and adults are equipped with better chances of coping with this disease.
Symptoms of Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B, generally, has an incubation period of 1-4 months, i.e., it takes 1-4 months of time for the virus to display symptoms of illness in the body after its transmission into the body. Sometimes the symptoms could be seen as early as within two weeks of coming in contact with the virus. Some people do not show symptoms at all - especially children.
Some prominent symptoms of Hepatitis B are:
● Weakness and fatigue
● Poor appetite
● Abdominal pain
● Dark color of urine
● Developing yellow color in the skin and eyes
● Frequent nausea
● Signs of fever
● Pain in bone joints
Recognising these signs at an early stage can help with the treatment of Hepatitis B. It has also been found in trace amounts that people infected with HIV are also infected with Hepatitis B. So, people who are undergoing any kind of treatment for HIV should also get tested for Hepatitis B.
Modes of Transmission for Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is spread mostly through contact with bodily fluids like blood or semen. The fluid could be transmitted from a person with infection to another healthy person with no records of Hepatitis B.
Given below are some ways in which Hepatitis B is transmitted from a diseased person to another healthy person:
● Through sexual activities
● Using needles used by others
● Using syringes and other drug-injection equipments
● During pregnancy or delivery
Diagnosis of a Hepatitis B virus
The presence of HBV cells in a body is mostly done by collecting blood samples and running diagnostic tests on them. Other methods include fibroscan and ultrasound to check the extent of damage done to the liver.
Life Cycle of a Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)
Let us look at the life cycle of a Hepatitis B virus briefly to understand how it works to create a disease-infested bodily environment for us.
Contact with the Liver Cell
After entering a human’s body, a Hepatitis B virus goes directly to the liver, where it attaches itself to a liver cell and goes into its nucleus. This is the first step in establishing itself in the human body and making physiological changes that create the chronic conditions for a disease in the future.
Forming Covalently Closed Circular DNA (cccDNA)
Aftering entering the cell, the Hepatitis B virus generates a unique structure from its genetic material called the cccDNA (covalently closed circular DNA). This unique structure is the base for replication of numerous HBV viruses.
Replication and Creation of New Viruses
New Hepatitis B viruses are created which leave the host cell to spread around other areas of the liver causing infections. Meanwhile, the cccDNA that was created in the first step of the life cycle is left there at the host cell. It integrates into the host cell and creates more HBV cells - thus continuing the replication process.
Prevention of Hepatitis B
First and foremost, we can always go for vaccination against Hepatitis B. The rules and regulations for vaccination should be strictly followed to prevent any untoward consequences in the future .
Immunization at Birth
All babies are required to receive immunization against Hepatitis B at birth. A dosage at time of birth is administered within 24 hours. In India a dose of 10 micro milligram is given at intervals of 0, 1 and 6 months. It is followed by a booster after 5 years. This vaccine protects the baby against Hepatitis B for the next 20 years and maybe for a lifetime.
In some cases, the booster dose is not needed after the three periodical doses given right after birth.
Vaccination for Adults
Adults who were not vaccinated during childhood or are at high risk - with mucosal exposure to blood or sexual relations should go for immunization against Hepatitis B. The virus can also pass from mother to child during pregnancy. It can be prevented by taking antiviral medicines. Apart from providing resistance to the mother, these medicines also prevent the transmission of the virus.
Some ways to prevent Hepatitis B with healthy practices are:
● Using condoms during sex to promote healthy sexual relations
● Reducing the number of sexual partners
● Avoiding sharing of needles or any equipment used for injecting or administering drugs.
● Check the status of needles before going for cosmetic procedures like tattooing or piercing
● If we come into contact with any bodily fluids like blood or any contaminated surface we should wash our hands thoroughly with soap.
● Going for a Hepatitis B vaccine if we are working in any healthcare setting.
Treatment for Hepatitis B
There is no particularly specified treatment for acute Hepatitis B. The doctor will mostly advise the patients to make themselves comfortable. They are advised to follow a healthy diet and drink plenty of liquids to prevent dehydration, nausea or diarrhea. .
Chronic Hepatitis B infections can be treated with oral medicines, like tenofovir or entecavir. Treatments can be designed to prevent or cure many conditions like liver cirrhosis, reduce chances of liver cancer and prolong longevity of the individual. Once the treatment is started, most people are expected to continue the treatment for life.
Some short points to follow for better health and treat Hepatitis B are:
● Taking antiviral medications - decreasing the ability of the virus to grow and replicate
● Regular checkup - diagnostic tests at regular intervals and liver imaging can help in management and control of the disease
● In severe cases of liver damage, liver transplants are advised.
It is best to take matters in our own hands before the damage is done. Therefore, consulting a doctor whenever we feel something is interfering with our normal lifestyle and metabolic activities can help us tackle and prevent threats from Hepatitis B in the early stages. Also, keeping in touch with vaccination guidelines and updates can help us save a lifetime of pain, suffering and anxiety.
FAQs
How do I know I have Hepatitis B?
Answer: Hepatitis B can be identified with the help of symptoms like fatigue, lessened appetite, stomach pain, nausea, and jaundice. Going for a diagnostic test (on blood samples) can determine whether your case is acute or chronic.
Can ultrasound diagnose Hepatitis B?
Answer: Ultrasounds and fibroscans are mostly used in serious cases to image the extent of damage done to your liver by the Hepatitis B virus.
Can an adult go for a Hepatitis B vaccine?
Answer: Yes, if you have not been administered the full immunization course when you were a child or if you are working in a healthcare sector. In either case, it is better to consult a doctor before you go for vaccination.
What is the best treatment for Hepatitis B?
Answer: Antiviral medicines can help combat the virus in your body. Some common names are Tenofovir disoproxil, Tenofovir alafenamide, Entecavir, Telbivudine and Adefovir Dipivoxil.
How long is the treatment for Hepatitis B?
Answer: Treatments with medicines can range from a few months to a year depending upon the severity of your case.
What are the causes of Hepatitis B?
Answer: The virus could come in contact with anyone through exchange of bodily fluids like blood, saliva, etc. Also, sharing of needles and other injecting instruments is highly discouraged.
What is the most common medicine for Hepatitis B?
Answer: Tenofovir is one of the most effective drugs used for treating Hepatitis B. It is usually taken one pill once a day for at least a year or as prescribed by the physician. It is considered to have the least side effects.