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Hepatitis B, its complications, causes and prevention tips

Complications

  • Liver cirrhosis (hardening and shrinking of the liver).
  • Liver cancer, which is more common in men.

Causes

Infection of the liver by the hepatitis virus. The disease can be transmitted through sexual intercourse, contact with an infected person’s blood (sharing of needles, transfusion) and pregnancy/childbirth in which an infected mother passes the virus to the baby.

Prevention tips:

  • Immunization against hepatitis B at birth. If you were not immunized at birth, go for a blood test to check if you have been previously infected with hepatitis B without realizing it. It is important to have yourself immunized as soon as possible.
  • Avoid promiscuity.
  • Avoid drug abuse and sharing needles.
  • Avoid sharing toothbrushes and shavers.
  • Refuse the use of not sterilized needles and other instruments (e.g. when having acupuncture, ear piercing or having a tattoo done).

    • It is imperative to consult your doctor upon diagnosis of hepatitis B because long term sequelae are common and potentially severe.



    January 31st 2007 Posted to Top Diseases | |

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