Hepatitis B is a deadly virus, get vaccinated to be safe

Caption: Dr Christopher Opio, Consultant Gastroenterologist at Aga Khan University Hospital conducts an endoscopy procedure on a patient with a team of clinicians.

This week the world marked the World Hepatitis Day under the theme: “Hepatitis Can't Wait". The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted our lives and especially the delivery of healthcare services across the world. However, other diseases still need attention and that is why all stakeholders must join efforts against hepatitis. In this article, I will share some basic facts about hepatitis B and how we can stay safe.

What kind of disease is hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver, causing liver cell damage, scarring and liver cancer. Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is one of five types of viral hepatitis. Others are hepatitis A, C, D, and E and each differs from the others.

What causes hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is caused by type B hepatitis virus

How common is hepatitis B?

HBV is a major global health problem. In Africa about 1-2 people out of 20 have Hepatitis B.    

How is HBV Transmitted?

Hepatitis B is found in the blood and or blood serum. Worldwide, mother to child transmission after birth (during perinatal period) is the most common route of transmission.

It can also be spread through unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person. Other causes are exposures to sharp instruments, or through sharing of needles, syringes, or other drug-injection equipment used by an infected person.

Hepatitis B is not spread through food or water, sharing eating utensils, breastfeeding, hugging, kissing, holding hands, coughing, or sneezing.

What are the symptoms of hepatitis B?

Like HIV virus, most patients do not know they have Hepatitis B until it is too late. Those who develop symptoms early in the disease may present with jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes), flu-like illness, dark urine, joint pains, fatigue, and rare sometimes liver failure. Late in the disease, patients may develop fluid in their belly, loss of appetite and weight, vomiting blood, failure to pass urine, experiencing confusion, cirrhosis and liver cancer.

What is the adverse form of this disease if it is left untreated?

Liver failure, cancer and scarring, water in the belly, vomiting blood, kidney and brain failure and malnutrition.

How is HBV diagnosed?

Many people don't have symptoms and it is therefore important that healthy people screen for hepatitis B regularly. Clinicians use blood tests to diagnose hepatitis B infection.  There are a number of hepatitis B tests that help determine:

• Whether one has hepatitis B

• Whether it is chronic or acute hepatitis B;

• Whether one is immune to hepatitis B after vaccination; or

• If one was infected in the past, have cleared the virus from your body, and are protected from future infection.

• How likely it is that someone who is infected with hepatitis B will transmit it to others.

It is also important to highlight that there is a risk of misdiagnosis if you only use symptoms to diagnose the disease. It is therefore critical that the right tests are carried out.

What are the treatment options available for hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a chronic disease and is difficult to clear. However, it can be controlled through use of oral medications that are usually administered to a patient for life.  The treatment aims at controlling the virus with the hope of preventing liver scarring, liver failure, and liver cancer. It is also important to note that liver cancer can be cured if detected early. Unfortunately, many patients present late when little can be done for them.   In sub-Saharan Africa, hepatitis B is the main cause of liver cancer (7 patients out of 10). Most patients who are diagnosed with liver cancer die within a year.

How can a person diagnosed with hepatitis B live with it?

For coping with HBV, it is advisable for a patient to learn about hepatitis B. Staying connected with family and friends is important for a person's mental health since HBV cannot be spread through casual contact. Eat a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables, exercise regularly and get enough sleep.

It is important to avoid drinking alcohol and taking over-the-counter medication without consulting the doctor. A patient should also be tested for hepatitis A and C and be vaccinated for hepatitis A.

Can hepatitis B be prevented?

Yes. The best way to prevent hepatitis B is by getting vaccinated. The hepatitis B vaccine is safe and very effective. Vaccines are generally given in 2–3 initial doses a month apart followed by a booster dose at six months or later. Completing the series of shots is needed to be fully protected.

For all children born to mothers who have hepatitis B, a vaccine given at birth is recommended

By Dr Christopher Opio, Consultant Gastroenterologis, Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi.

This article was first published by The Business Daily Africa Newspaper