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Hepatitis B:
Hepatitis B is a serous disease caused by a virus that attacks
the liver. The Virus, which is called Hepatitis B virus (HBV), can cause
lifelong infection, cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver cancer, liver
failure, and death.
Hepatitis B vaccine is available for all age groups to prevent hepatitis B
virus infection.
About 30% of persons have no signs or symptoms. Signs and
symptoms are less common in children than adults.
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Jaundice.
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Fatigue
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Abdominal Pain
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Loss of Appetite
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Nausea, Vomiting
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Joint Pain.
Chronic
infection occurs in 90% of infants infected at birth, 30% of children infected
at age 1-5 years, 6% of persons infected after age 5 years. Death
from chronic liver disease occurs in 15 - 25% of chronically infected persons.
Transmission occurs when blood or body fluids from an infected
person enters the body of a person who is not immune. HBV is spread through
having sex with an infected person without using condom, by sharing drugs,
needles, or "work" when "shooting" drugs, through needle-sticks or sharps
exposures on the job, or from an infected mother to her baby during birth.
Persons at risk for HBV infection might also be at risk for infection
with hepatitis C virus (HCV) or HIV.
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Hepatitis B vaccine is the best protection.
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If you are having sex, but not with one steady partner, use lates condoms
correctly and every time you sex. The efficacy of lates condoms in preventing
infection with HBV is unknown, but their proper use may reduce transmission.
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If you are pregnant, you should get a blood test for hepatitis B; infants born
to HBV-infected mothers should be given HBIG (hepatitis B immune globulin) and
vaccine within 12 hours after birth.
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Do not shoot drugs; if you shoot drugs, stop and get into a treatment program;
if you can't stop, never ssharedrugs, needles, syringes, water, or "work" , and
get vaccinated against hepatitis A & B.
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Do not share personal care items that might have blood on them (razors,
toothbrushes).
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Consider the risks if you are thinking about getting a tattoo or body piercing.
You might get infected if the tools have someone else's blood on them or if the
artist or piercer does not follow good health practices.
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If you have or had hepatitis B, do not donate bblood organs, or tissue.
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If you are a health care of public safety worker, get vaccinated against
hepatitis B, and always follow routine barrier precautions and safely handle
needles and other sharp.
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Hepatitis B vaccine available since 1982.
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Routine vaccination of 0-18 years oold
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Vaccination of risk groups of all ages.
| TREATMENT AND
MEDICAL MANAGEMENT |
HBV infected persons should be evaluated by their doctor for liver disease.
Chelidonium, Chionanthus, Cholestrinum, and Cardus Mar are Homeopathic
medicines suitable for treatment of persons with chronic hepatitis B. These
ddrugsshould not be used with out consultation of a qualified
hhomeopathicdoctor. Drinking alcohol can make your liver disease worse. For
further Homeopathic consultation and advice get free registration
in HART Welfare Society.
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