Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B (HBV) causes a serious infection of the liver and other health complications. HBV is contracted through exposure to contaminated blood, semen, and other bodily fluids. It can be passed through the transfusion of infected blood or blood products, or by contaminated injections or needles used during a medical procedure. Children and infants are more likely to be infected by HBV than as compared to adults, and the virus may be transmitted from an infected mother to her baby during birth or from someone close to an infant during early childhood.

Usually, most people who suffer from HBV fully recover without any extensive damage or long term effects, even if the symptoms of the disease seem severe (acute HBV). However, for some infected individuals the disease may become chronic, which means that it lasts longer than six months. Chronic Hepatitis B sufferers are at greater risk of developing liver failure, cancer or cirrhosis.

When to seek expert advise

You should visit your doctor working with the Internal Medicine Service Line or get your child medically examined at the Children's Hospital at the Aga Khan University Hospital if you notice any of the symptoms associated to hepatitis B. If you think you may be at risk at contracting HBV or you have spent time with an infected individual, you should seek preventive treatment at the Family Health Services within 12 of exposure as this can reduce the risk of infection.

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