What is Hepatitis B?

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Hepatitis B is a liver infection that can be prevented by vaccination and is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). When blood, semen, or other bodily fluids from a person infected with the virus enter the body of someone who is not affected, hepatitis B can be transmitted. This can happen during sexual contact, when sharing needles, syringes, or other injection tools, or when a mother passes her baby to the infant after birth. Not everyone with a new HBV infection experiences symptoms, but those who do may experience exhaustion, a lack of appetite, nausea, stomach pain, and jaundice. 

Because most people do not exhibit symptoms when they are newly infected or have had hepatitis B for a long time, it is known as a “silent epidemic.” As a result, they have the potential to unintentionally infect others and continue the silent spread of hepatitis B. People who have a chronic infection but show no symptoms are nonetheless silently harming their liver, which can lead to serious conditions like cirrhosis or liver cancer.

It’s a good thing that hepatitis B can be prevented and treated. To detect a hepatitis B infection, a simple blood test can be done. Only via testing can you be certain that you have the infection. A chronic hepatitis B infection can be well treated with medication. Hepatitis B is preventable with a safe vaccination.

The Hepatitis B vaccine is available for people of all ages. The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all infants, children, and adolescents under the age of 19 who have not been immunized, adults aged 19 to 59, and adults 60 and older who have risk factors for hepatitis B infection. Adults aged 60 and up with no known risk factors for hepatitis B may also receive the vaccine.

Get yourself tested and vaccinated for Hepatitis B with Awam Clinic Glenmarie. No appointment is needed, just walk into our clinic TODAY! We are the only 5-star clinic in town, providing you with the best healthcare services at an affordable price.

For further inquiries, contact +60 16-312 7959 or email us at awamclinicglenmarie@gmail.com

References:

CDC. (2022a). Hepatitis B Vaccination | CDC. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/hepb/index.html#:%7E:text=Hepatitis%20B%20vaccine%20is%20available,factors%20for%20hepatitis%20B%20infection.

CDC. (2022b, March 30). Hepatitis B FAQs | CDC. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hbv/bfaq.htm

Hepatitis B Foundation. (n.d.). What is Hepatitis B. https://www.hepb.org/what-is-hepatitis-b/what-is-hepb/

Dr Awam

Dr Awam

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