Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver spread through blood, unprotected sex, and from mother to baby at birth. Many people have no symptoms for years. In some people, especially those infected as babies, it becomes a long-term infection that can lead to liver scarring (cirrhosis) or liver cancer. A safe and effective vaccine is part of the routine childhood vaccines in Afghanistan.
Symptoms
- Often no symptoms for many years
- Tiredness and weakness
- Yellow eyes and skin
- Dark urine
- Loss of appetite, nausea and belly pain
- In late disease: swollen belly, swollen legs, vomiting blood
Causes
- Hepatitis B virus in blood and body fluids
- From an infected mother to her baby at birth
- Reused or shared needles and syringes
- Unsterile razors, dental or barber tools
- Unprotected sex with an infected person
- Unscreened blood transfusions
Prevention
- Hepatitis B vaccine for all babies, starting at birth
- Vaccination for adults at risk, including health workers
- All pregnant women should be tested; babies of infected mothers need the vaccine, and sometimes immunoglobulin, right after birth
- Use a new syringe for every injection
- Do not share razors or toothbrushes
- Only accept tested blood
Treatment
- Blood tests to check the virus and liver health
- Not everyone needs medicine; many people only need regular check-ups
- When needed, long-term antiviral tablets prescribed by a specialist
- Avoid alcohol and unnecessary medicines or herbal remedies
- Vaccinate family members and your spouse
- Do not start antiviral or other prescription medicines without a doctor
Common questions
Can I live a normal life with hepatitis B?
Yes. Most people with long-term hepatitis B live normal lives. Regular check-ups, avoiding alcohol and taking medicine when a doctor advises it help protect the liver.
Can hepatitis B spread by sharing food or hugging?
No. Hepatitis B does not spread through food, water, sharing plates, hugging or shaking hands. It spreads through blood, sex and from mother to baby.