Understanding Hepatitis-B

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Understanding Hepatitis BVideo Description:A vaccination can prevent hepatitis B, but this STD still affects about 5 percent of the American population. Get the facts on hep B right here. Transcript:Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by any one of the various hepatitis viruses. In America, the most common type, hepatitis B, is also the type most likely to be transmitted sexually. Hepatitis B is transmitted by bodily fluids and can be spread via unprotected sexual acts, the sharing of drug paraphernalia, the sharing of personal hygiene tools, like toothbrushes, and the birth of a baby to an infected mother. In 95 percent of infected individuals, the body develops antibodies to fight hepatitis B virus, and clears the infection on its own. This usually takes four to eight weeks and is known as “acute hepatitis.” People with acute hepatitis often have no symptoms at all, although they are still able to transmit the virus to others before the infection clears. Some people, however, are unable to fight a hepatitis B infection and develop lifelong, “chronic hepatitis.” They may eventually experience abdominal or joint pain, dark urine, or yellowing of the eyes and skin. These symptoms are indicative that chronic hepatitis B is causing liver damage, including cirrhosis, or liver scarring and hepatocellular carcinoma, or liver cancer. In extreme cases, hepatitis B can even lead to death. A simple blood test can easily diagnose hepatitis B, even in people who do not experience symptoms. There is no cure for hepatitis, but most people don’t require one. However, there ARE treatment options which will reduce the harm caused by chronic hepatitis B. Hepatitis medications work by decreasing the virus’s ability to multiply in the body, lessening damage done to the liver, and increasing the immune system’s ability to fight the virus. People with chronic hepatitis are also advised to avoid drinking alcohol, as this can make liver damage worse. While these measures are helpful for stopping hepatitis B’s spread, it is even better to avoid the virus altogether. This can be best accomplished by getting the hepatitis B vaccine, which is given in three doses over six months. In the United States, this vaccine has been given to infants, children, and at-risk adults since 1982. For people who believe they have been exposed to hepatitis B, and for babies born to infected mothers, a preventative medication called hepatitis B immune globulin is available to help the body fight an initial infection. Patients who receive a dose of this preventative medication should follow up the treatment with the hepatitis vaccine. This is especially important for babies born to infected mothers. Because hepatitis B can lead to severe liver damage or death, it is vital to get the hepatitis B vaccine if you have not done so. You can also reduce your risk of contracting the disease by using a condom every time you have sex.  Because there are over one million Americans with chronic Hepatitis B, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about the virus! Category:STDs/Other STDs Tags:Health, Medicine, std, sti, bacteria, antibiotic, sex, hiv, discharge, genital, pid, infertility, safe sex, penis, vagina, semen, orgasm, whore, fuck, condom, hepatitis, virus, cirrhosis, disease, liver, sexual, sexually transmitted disease, pelvic inflammatory disease, hepatitis b, liver damage, SexHealthGuru, Guru,
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