Caused by the hepatitis B virus (HPV).
Causes infection of the liver. Symptoms
Loss of appstite, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of skin and whites around the eyes).
Many infected people have no symptoms and do not know they have hepatitis.
They CAN infect others. Diagnosis Blood samples sent to a laboratory. Possible Problems Severe illness, liver damage, long-term (chronic) liver disease, liver cancer.
If not treated at birth, children of an infected mother will be exposed to the disease.
Ten percent of adults become chronic (long-term) carriers and can infect others.
About 25% of these carriers develop chronic ACTIVE hepatitis. This often leads to severe liver damage. Transmission Very tiny amounts of blood.
100 times more easily spread than HIV.
Sharing contaminated needles, syringes, razor blades, tattoo equipment, anything used to pierce the skin.
An infected mother transmits the virus to her baby.
Sexual intercourse is the most common transmitter in the United States. Treatment There is no cure.
Antiviral drugs may help.
Rest good nutrition, avoiding drugs and alcohol. Prevention Hepatitis B vaccination.
Abstinence.
Correct and consistent use of latex condoms.
Correct sterilization of all things used to pierce the skin.
Use of latex gloves when administering first aid.
Report any possible exposure to health care provider at once. Go Back to: Sexually Transmitted Diseases |
