LIFE SAVING PREVENTIVE MEASURES AGAINST HEPATITIS B INFECTION

Hepatitis B is a viral infection caused by hepatitis B virus that infects the liver and can cause both acute and chronic hepatitis B infection. It is the most serious type of Viral Hepatitis.The virus is transmitted through contact with blood or other body fluids of an infected person; Through either,

Blood to blood contact (e.g. sharing of needles and syringes, or other drug-injection tools)
Sharing personal effects such as razors or toothbrushes with an infected person.
From an infected mother to her newborn during childbirth.
Through $£xual contact with an infected person.

^{How do you know you are infected with Hepatitis B Virus;}

It's crucial to speak with a healthcare provider if you think you may have hepatitis B in order to receive a correct diagnosis and situation-specific guidance. Particularly in the early stages of the disease, many Hepatitis B patients show no symptoms at all. Nonetheless, the following are some typical indications and symptoms of hepatitis B infection.

Yellowing of the skin and eyes
nausea and vomiting.
Reduced levels of appetite
feeling very weak or exhausted
Discomfort or pain in the right upper side of the abdomen
Urine may appear brown or dark yellow
Stools could have a pale hue.
Some people may encounter joint pain.

It's crucial to bear in mind that not everyone with hepatitis B will show symptoms, and some individuals may be carriers of the virus without even realizing it.Blood tests that measure liver function and look for the presence of the virus can be used to diagnose hepatitis B.

Prevention is better than cure, however in Hepatitis B there is no cure, so, prevention remains paramount.Preventing hepatitis B involves a combination of key measures which include;

Vaccination⇒ Vaccination is the best defense and most effective way to prevent against hepatitis B infection. Depending on the vaccine used, the hepatitis B vaccination consists of three or four doses. It is advised for all adults, children, and newborns.
Screening and Testing for Hepatitis B⇒It is recommended that those with certain medical conditions and healthcare workers, who are more susceptible to contracting hepatitis B, get tested on a regular basis.⇒If a pregnant woman tests positive for hepatitis B, appropriate measures can be taken to prevent the virus from infecting the unborn child including vaccinating the newborn.
Take Care When handling Body Fluids⇒Avoid blood or bodily fluids in direct contact. This includes keeping personal goods like toothbrushes and razors to yourself.⇒Those who work in healthcare settings or who may come into contact with body fluids should take the necessary safety precautions, such as wearing gloves and other protective gear.
Treatment of Infected People⇒Hepatitis B treatment can lower the chance of infection spreading to other people. Healthcare professionals may prescribe antiviral drugs to treat the infection.
Don't Share Your Needles⇒Avoid sharing needles or other tools used for tattooing, body piercings, drug use, or any other activity involving skin penetration.
Post Exposure prophylactic measures⇒Hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) and the hepatitis B vaccine can help prevent infection if someone is exposed to hepatitis B, particularly in work environments.
Awareness on Hepatitis B⇒Promote community education and awareness regarding the prevention and transmission of hepatitis B.Encourage people who are at risk or who have been exposed to the virus to get vaccinated and seek medical advice.
Precautions for Travel⇒When visiting areas where hepatitis B is prevalent, exercise caution by abstaining from risky behaviors and receiving the Hepatitis B vaccination.
Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of Hepatitis B⇒Within 12 hours of birth, infants whose mothers have hepatitis B should receive the hepatitis B vaccine and hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG).
Safety during Blood and Organ Donation⇒Healthcare professionals should screen donors of blood and organs for Hepatitis B in order to stop the virus from spreading