Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a liver disease caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is a major cause of chronic liver disease and liver cancer.
Source of infection
Infected persons and people with latent infection
Mode of transmission
Hepatitis B virus can be transmitted through contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person, such as:
- Mother to child transmission at or around the time of delivery;
- Blood contact:
- By direct contact with contaminated blood, or transfusion of contaminated blood or blood products;
- By using contaminated personal items such as toothbrush, razors, etc.;
- By using contaminated syringes or by tattooing, ear-piercing or acupuncture with contaminated instruments;
- Individuals who have unprotected sex or multiple sex partners, persons with sexually transmitted disease (STD), persons living with HIV/AIDS as well as men who have sex with men (MSM) are at higher risk of hepatitis B infection.
Incubation period and infectious period
The incubation period ranges from 45 to 180 days, averaging 60 to 90 days.
Susceptible population
Generally susceptible.
Clinical features
The virus can cause acute hepatitis and symptoms can persist for weeks. Common presentations include yellowing of skin and eyes, dark urine, fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, etc. It may take several months or up to one year to recover from the infection.
HBV can also lead to chronic hepatitis or a chronic carrier state, and may progress into cirrhosis, liver cancer and even death.
Treatment
In most cases, acute hepatitis B only requires supportive treatment, while chronic hepatitis B can be treated with medication. Meanwhile, the patient should have adequate rest, balanced diet, and avoid smoking and drinking.
Preventive measures
- Avoid sharing personal items with others;
- Do not share needles or abuse drugs;
- Clean and dress wounds properly;
- Wear gloves when handling blood, body fluids or contaminated articles;
- Practice safe sex by using a condom properly throughout intercourse.
Vaccination
A vaccine to prevent hepatitis B is available. It has an excellent record of safety and effectiveness, and is recommended for everyone. The Macao Health Bureau has been offering free hepatitis B vaccination for all local newborns as early as from 1989.
The hepatitis B vaccination included in the Macao SAR Immunization Programme is a 3-dose schedule at 0, 1, 6 months. Usually, it is not necessary to receive regular booster doses for those who have completed a three-dose regimen.
For babies born to carrier mothers, an additional hepatitis B immunoglobulin is given within 24 hours of birth to prevent transmission of infection from their mothers.
What precautions should people with chronic hepatitis take?
- Regular body check by your doctor, such as liver function test, alpha fetoprotein level and ultrasonographic liver examinations.
- Refrain from smoking and drinking.
- Do not self-medicate or consume health supplement, Chinese herbal medicine and western medicine of unknown contents as these might harm the liver.
- Have adequate sleep and rest; avoid overwork.
- Maintain a positive mindset.
- Have regular exercise.
- Eat healthily:
- Adopt a regular and balanced diet.
- Eat fresh and natural food; avoid processed food such as preserved and canned products.
- Consume less animal fat and spicy food.
- Do not consume food that looks mouldy. Food that is susceptible to aflatoxin. contamination, such as peanuts and corns, should be taken with caution.
- Observe food safety: make sure your food is thoroughly cooked to avoid viral or parasite contamination which can aggravate your condition.
Please refer to the Health Bureau’s vaccination webpage.
