Control & Treatment of Hepatitis B

Hepatitius B is a serious disease that causes inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis B is the most common liver disease in the world. Hepatitis B can cause long-term health problems, and even death. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), chronic hepatitis B affects approximately 350 million people and contributes to an estimated 620,000 deaths worldwide each year. There are usually no warning signs of the disease because the infected person does not feel or look sick.

How Hepatitis is Spread

• The best way to protect against transmission of the disease is to know how it is spread. Hepatitis is spread through an infected mother to her newborn child, sex with an infected partner, sharing needles and other personal items, such as toothbrushes, with an infected person and direct contact or exposure to blood of an infected person. You are also at risk if you travel to countries with high levels of Hepatitis infections. Guard against these situations and make sure to get tested for early detection of the disease.

Treatment

• Acute hepatitis B, or a mild case, is not treated with medication. A mild case of hepatitis B will usually go away on its own. This is a short-term infection and can be treated with rest, proper nutrition and plenty of fluids. For chronic hepatitis B, you should see a doctor regularly. Treatment may involve such medications as alpha interferon and lamivudine. Proper nutrition and exercise is required for individuals with chronic hepatitis in order to stay healthy.

Vaccination

• The best prevention against hepatitis B is through vaccination. The hepatitis vaccine is given as three to four shots over a six-month period of time. The first shot is usually given to infants at birth. All young people under the age of 19 should be vaccinated. For adults, if you feel that you are at risk for hepatitis then you should contact your physician and discuss getting the vaccine.