What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a virus that can cause potentially life-threatening liver inflammation leading to liver cancer and cirrhosis of liver. It is reported that hepatitis B virus infects nearly 350 million people worldwide causing 6,20,000 death every year.

After the virulent virus attacks the healthy liver cells, it rapidly starts multiplying and making copy of itself. Soon it starts spreading and attacking other neighboring liver cells, gradually affecting the function of the entire liver. But the virus is not directly responsible for the liver damage. It triggers the immune system of our body which starts defending itself from the viral attack. It is the response of our immune system which causes liver inflammation. The virus can cause both acute and chronic infections.

Causes of Hepatitis B

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is responsible for causing hepatitis B. The virus is transmitted through body fluids and blood of the infected person.

One may get hepatitis B through:

• Engaging in unprotected sexual activity with an infected person
• Transmission from infected mother to baby
• Sharing of needles with an infected person
• Using of unhygienic tools and equipments for tatoos and body piercing
• Sharing toothbrushes and razors with an infected person

Symptoms of Hepatitis B

The symptoms can last several weeks and may cause:

• Jaundice
• Abdominal pain
• Extreme fatigue and nausea
• Vomiting

Hepatitis B Vaccine
Currently, there are two hepatitis B vaccines available in the United States and both are made synthetically. Earlier hepatitis B vaccines were plasma derived (made of blood products). Three doses complete the series of vaccination. The first injection can be given at any time. The second injection is given one month following the first injection. The third and the last injection is given three months following the first injection.

CDC (the Centers for Disease Control) has set a general guidelines for hepatitis B vaccination. Accordingly, all new-born and children up to 18 years, sexually active teenagers and individuals, close family members and sexual partners of infected persons, health care professionals and emergency personnel, patients having kidney disorders or those who are undergoing dialysis need protection from HBV. Further, CDC also recommends vaccination for all adults who are in high-risk groups due to lifestyle choices and occupation.

Though hepatitis B vaccination is considered one of the effective and safest vaccines, it can still cause some common side effects like redness, swelling and soreness at the site of injection. Further, it is advised that the vaccination may not be suitable to those who already have shown allergic reaction to HBV injection earlier or those having yeast allergy.