Hepatitis B
Is the hepatitis B vaccine effective? All the information on this preventive treatment, the ways the virus can be transmitted, and its symptoms.
Symptoms and Causes
Hepatitis B is an inflammation of the liver caused by a viral infection. The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is transmitted through blood, bodily fluids such as semen, vaginal fluid, and from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth.
Generally, there are two different types of hepatitis B:
- Acute Hepatitis B: This is the most common form. It usually lasts no longer than six months.
- Chronic Hepatitis B: It is estimated that about 10% of cases become chronic. This occurs when the infection persists over time. These cases are severe as they lead to the development of other diseases.
Symptoms
Hepatitis B can either be asymptomatic or cause mild general discomfort. In other cases, it presents with symptoms such as:
- Jaundice (yellowish skin)
- Dark urine
- Pale or yellow stools
- Fatigue
Causes
The primary cause of this disease is infection with the hepatitis B virus through contaminated needles (sharing needles or infected materials for drug injection or inhalation, accidental needle sticks), unprotected sexual intercourse, or mother-to-child transmission.
Risk Factors
Some factors that increase the risk of contracting hepatitis B include:
- Engaging in risky sexual activities: unprotected sex, multiple partners, or with someone infected with the hepatitis B virus.
- Sharing needles for drug injection.
- Getting a tattoo with a reused needle.
- Having regular contact with the blood of others: doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians, forensic professionals, or cleaning staff in medical facilities.
- Being in contact with individuals with chronic hepatitis B.
- Being born to an infected mother.
Complications
Chronic hepatitis B can lead to liver failure, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), or liver cancer.
Prevention
To prevent hepatitis B, it is recommended to:
- Avoid risky sexual activities.
- Follow established safety protocols when handling human blood.
- Wash hands thoroughly after coming into contact with blood or other bodily fluids.
- Do not share needles.
- Get vaccinated against the hepatitis B virus: studies show that it is effective for at least 20 years. The Ministry of Health's recommendations are as follows:
- Babies born to infected mothers should receive the first dose within the first 24 hours of life, followed by doses at 2, 4, and 11 months.
- Children born to healthy mothers, with proper prenatal care, only need the last three doses.
- Adults at risk who are unvaccinated should receive three doses on a 0-1-6 month schedule.
Which doctor treats hepatitis B?
Specialists in digestive diseases, internists, and physicians in the infectious diseases unit diagnose and treat hepatitis B. General practitioners can monitor the progression of the disease.
Diagnosis
When hepatitis B does not present symptoms, it is usually diagnosed when medical tests are conducted for other reasons.
When signs of the disease appear, an exhaustive study of the patient's family and clinical history is carried out. Other tests may include:
- Blood tests: An increase in enzymes and transaminases can be a sign of hepatitis B. Depending on the detected levels, it is determined whether the disease is in its acute or chronic phase.
- Liver ultrasound: This test allows for checking the condition and size of the liver.
- Liver biopsy: By analyzing a tissue sample, possible liver damage can be detected.
Treatment
Acute hepatitis B does not have a specific treatment. Usually, rest, a balanced diet with plenty of fluids, and close monitoring are recommended to check its progress and avoid complications. Only the most severe cases require antibiotics.
Patients with chronic hepatitis B need lifelong treatment. Antiviral medications are typically used, and the regimen is adjusted based on each individual’s characteristics and other underlying conditions.
It is important to note that the vaccine only protects against the disease, so it is not effective once the infection has occurred. However, it is usually administered to individuals who have been exposed to the virus but have not yet been confirmed as infected. Additionally, immunoglobulin is injected, offering immediate short-term protection against hepatitis B.
