One can develop Hepatitis B for several reasons, such as by contacting an infected person physically. If one shares the personal belongings of an infected person, they can develop this infection too.
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What is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is an intense liver infection that develops after one catches a virus. This virus typically exists in one's saliva, vaginal fluids, semen, and even blood. Some of the typical symptoms of Hepatitis B include:
- Yellow skin
- Stomach discomfort
- Appetite loss
- Tiredness
How does it Spreads & is it Contagious?
Hepatitis B spreads by sharing the personal belongings of people already infected with it. Even having intimate physical contact with an infected person can transmit the virus to another person. You will often hear of people catching the infection by coming in contact with razors, toothbrushes, equipment, or needles for drug use.
As for emergency and healthcare service workers, they can very likely catch the infection through their broken skin, mouth, nose, and eyes. Moreover, they can suffer injuries from needle sticks, which, if infected, can spread Hepatitis B to them.
How it's Treated
In the case of chronic Hepatitis B, the treatment options include certain antiviral medications, such as:
- Telbivudine
- Hepsera
- Epivir
- Viread
- Baraclude
These are some of the medicines that can slow down the virus' ability to damage one's liver. However, as for the cure, there really is no foolproof treatment yet. Doctors advise a special diet and completely avoiding alcohol intake till the infection lasts.
As for the preventive measures for Hepatitis B, there is a that prevents liver infection from HBV. If one takes these times, they might never develop this infection. It is also possible for people to easily infect others with it if they carry the infection themselves.
This is especially true when infected people are intimate with their partners. They can become a carrier for others. By taking timely vaccination, one can protect not only themselves but also others from this serious liver infection.
Final Thoughts
Hepatitis B is a serious infection of the liver. Usually, those who have unprotected sex with infected people and share personal things like toothbrushes, cutlery items, clothes, etc., with those infected can catch the infection too.
While there is no definite treatment course for this liver infection, there are certain antiviral medicines that can slow the virus down. In doing so, it prevents the infection from inflicting more damage to the body.
In the end, there is no better preventative measure than timely vaccination for the infection. One must even refrain from sharing personal belongings with infected carriers. Maintaining regular and firm hygiene practices is the best way to stay safe from this deadly infection.
