Hepatitis B refers to the infection of the liver caused by the RNA hepatitis virus type B. It is rarely fatal on its own but can lead to liver failure and the need for a transplant if allowed to become severe. An estimated third of the global population has suffered from Hepatitis B at some point or another, even though a large group of these people are asymptomatic, never realize that they are infected and overcome the disease.
Hep B is highly contagious and is transmitted from one person to another through a variety of means. The most common are the exchange of body fluids or blood, typically during sexual intercourse, intravenous drug use or contact with these fluids in a healthcare facility. Though many chronic carriers may not exhibit any signs of their illness, symptoms can cause considerable discomfort and pain. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, excessive fatigue, aching muscle and joints, a low fever, loss of appetite and jaundice. Jaundice presents itself as a noticeable yellowing of the skin and the white of the eye. Urine may be darker as well due to a buildup of bilirubin within the body.
In some cases, even patients who are able to overcome all of the symptoms experience reactivation of the condition and can become chronic carriers, possible persistent flares of symptoms that may need to be treated. Recovery traditionally takes a period of only six months with regular treatment while severe symptoms begin to subside within one month.
Children of parents who have Hep B are substantially more likely to get sick. A newborn can contract the virus as it passes through the birth canal, so pregnant women are usually tested for the virus at their first prenatal care appointment. In addition, individuals diagnosed with this condition are more likely to get HIV, further weakening their bodies' defenses against other diseases. This is another reason that it is so important to ensure that children receive the Hep B vaccine as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Getting vaccinated at an early age significantly decreases the risk of being infected.
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