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what is hepatitis b in usa

by Wilhelm Watsica Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Hepatitis B is a vaccine-preventable liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Hepatitis B is spread when blood, semen, or other body fluids from a person infected with the virus enters the body of someone who is not infected.

Causes

Symptoms

Prevention

Complications

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How common is hepatitis B in USA?

Approximately 1.2 million people in the United States and 350 million people worldwide have Hepatitis B. Most are unaware of their infection.

Where is hepatitis B mostly found?

Hepatitis B occurs in nearly every part of the world but is more common in some countries in Asia, Africa, South America and the Caribbean.

Why is hep B so common?

Risk factors Hepatitis B spreads through contact with blood, semen or other body fluids from an infected person. Your risk of hepatitis B infection increases if you: Have unprotected sex with multiple sex partners or with someone who's infected with HBV. Share needles during IV drug use.

Who gets hepatitis B the most?

The highest rates of chronic hepatitis B infection in the United States occur among foreign-born individuals, especially people born in Asia, the Pacific Islands, and Africa. Approximately 70% of cases in the United States are among people who were born outside of the United States.

Is hepatitis B an STD?

Hepatitis B is a sexually transmitted disease, but it is spread in other ways, too. This is a hardy virus that can exist on almost any surface for up to one month. You can get infected through contact with an infected person's blood or body fluids.

Can I still get hepatitis B even if I was vaccinated?

Can I get hepatitis B from being vaccinated? No. The hepatitis B vaccine does not contain any live virus and can't cause hepatitis B.

How long can hepatitis B patient live?

A "silent disease." It can live in your body for 50+ years before you have symptoms. Responsible for 80 percent of all liver cancer in the world. Harder to fight off the younger you are; 90 percent of babies will go on to develop a chronic infection compared to 5 to 10 percent of adults.

What happens to your body when you have hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection that causes inflammation (swelling and reddening) that can lead to liver damage. Hepatitis B, also called HBV and Hep B, can cause cirrhosis (hardening or scarring), liver cancer and even death.

How long does Hep B last?

When symptoms of acute hepatitis B occur, how long do they usually last? Symptoms typically last for several weeks but can persist for up to 6 months (6,12).

Can you get hepatitis B from kissing?

Hepatitis B is not spread through sneezing, coughing, hugging, or breastfeeding. Although the virus can be found in saliva, it is not believed to be spread through kissing or sharing utensils.

Can you get hepatitis from toilet water?

Here are some of the specific ways the hepatitis A virus can spread: Eating food handled by someone with the virus who doesn't thoroughly wash hands after using the toilet. Drinking contaminated water.

Where does hepatitis B come from?

Today, scientists have finally mapped out the virus and its dissemination pattern, starting from that date 82 million years ago. The study determined that strands of hepatitis B started in North Africa and the Middle East. The virus then spread to the rest of the world.

Can you get hepatitis B from saliva?

Hepatitis B is not spread through sneezing, coughing, hugging, or breastfeeding. Although the virus can be found in saliva, it is not believed to be spread through kissing or sharing utensils.

How easily is hepatitis B transmitted?

It's transmitted through contact with semen (cum), vaginal fluids, and blood. You can get it from: having vaginal, anal, or oral sex (using a condom or dental dam during sex can help prevent it) sharing toothbrushes and razors (blood on them can carry hepatitis B)

How did my husband get hepatitis B?

It can be spread during sex or through items that may have come in contact with infected blood, such as razors, toothbrushes, nail clippers, needles and syringes, and glucose meters. The hepatitis B virus (HBV) can live on surfaces for up to a week.

Where does hepatitis come from?

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. The liver is a vital organ that processes nutrients, filters the blood, and fights infections. When the liver is inflamed or damaged, its function can be affected. Heavy alcohol use, toxins, some medications, and certain medical conditions can cause hepatitis.

Overview

Symptoms

Causes

  • An ifection caused by virus hepatitis B.
  • HBV is transmitted through direct exposure to the virus which may include contacts such as:
  • Infected blood, semen, or other body fluids
  • Unprotected sexual contact with an Infected person
  • Sharing contaminated needles and syringes
  • Accidental needle sticks, commonly reported in healthcare workers
  • Infected mother to child during child birth
  • Homosexuality in men
  • Transfusion of Infected blood or blood products
  • Transplantation of Infected organs

Symptoms
If you or someone you know is exhibiting symptoms of Hepatitis B, seek medical attention immediately.

Common symptoms are:

  • Yellow coloring of the skin and the whites of the eyes (jaundice)
  • Dark urine
  • Pale colored stools
  • Pale coloured stools
  • Pain in the area of liver or abdominal Pain
  • Joint Pain
  • Fever
  • Itching all over the body
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Extreme fatigue and weakness

Prevention

  • Preventing HBV infection after exposure to the virus: Contact your doctor immediately and get an injection of hepatitis B antibodies within 12 hours of coming in contact with the virus. Get yourself vaccinated at the same time, in case you have not got the vaccination done earlier
  • Avoid multiple sex partners
  • Practice safe sex. Use condoms
  • Talk to your partner and get tested for HBV
  • Avoid sharing needles and syringes
  • Avoid sharing razor blades and toothbrushes as well
  • Get vaccinated for HBV
  • Avoid body piercing and tattooing
  • Healthcare workers must be careful while handling needles and blood products
  • The donor must be thoroughly checked for infection before transfusion or transplantation

Complications

If untreated for a prolonged period it may lead to

  • Liver failure
  • Liver cirrhosis
  • Liver cancer
  • Diseases of the kidneys
  • Inflammation or swelling of blood vessels
  • Anemia

Causes

Risk Factors

Complications

  • Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). For some people, hepatitis B infection becomes chronic, meaning it lasts more than six months. Having chronic hepatitis B increases your risk of developing liver failure, liver cancer or cirrhosis — a condition that permanently scars of the liver. Most adults with hepat...
See more on mayoclinic.org

Prevention

  • Signs and symptoms of hepatitis B range from mild to severe. They usually appear about one to four months after you've been infected, although you could see them as early as two weeks post-infection. Some people, usually young children, may not have any symptoms. Hepatitis B signs and symptoms may include: 1. Abdominal pain 2. Dark urine 3. Fever 4. Joint pain 5. Loss of app…
See more on mayoclinic.org

1.Hepatitis B Basics | HHS.gov

Url:https://www.hhs.gov/hepatitis/learn-about-viral-hepatitis/hepatitis-b-basics/index.html

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