Hepatitis b
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B (pronounced /hɛpəˈtaɪtɪs biː/) is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause both acute and chronic disease. The virus is transmitted through contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person.
Etymology
The term "Hepatitis" comes from the Greek hepar, meaning "liver", and the Latin -itis, meaning "inflammation". The "B" denotes the type of virus that causes this particular form of hepatitis, as discovered in the order of research.
Symptoms
Not everyone with Hepatitis B shows symptoms. However, common symptoms include fatigue, mild fever, muscle or joint aches, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, dark urine, light-colored stools, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
Transmission
Hepatitis B is transmitted through contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person. It can be passed from mother to child during birth, through sharing needles, syringes, or other drug-injection equipment, or through sexual contact.
Prevention
Prevention of Hepatitis B can be achieved through vaccination. The Hepatitis B vaccine is an effective and safe way to prevent the infection and its consequences, including cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for acute Hepatitis B. However, chronic Hepatitis B can be treated with drugs, including antiviral agents. Treatment can slow the progression of cirrhosis, reduce incidence of liver cancer and improve long term survival.
See also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hepatitis b
- Wikipedia's article - Hepatitis b
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