The hepatitis B virus is a major cause of serious, life-threatening liver disease, including liver cancer and cirrhosis (scarring of the liver caused by long-term liver damage).
In 2017 the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that around 250 million people worldwide were chronically infected with the hepatitis B virus.
In areas such as sub-Saharan Africa, most of Asia and the Pacific islands, 10% or more of the population have chronic hepatitis B infection.
The UK has generally low levels of hepatitis B disease but in areas such as inner cities the rates may be much higher than this.
Hepatitis B sometimes causes flu-like symptoms, such as tiredness, general aches and pains, headaches and a high temperature. It can also lead to loss of appetite, sickness, diarrhoea, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), and pain in the upper right-hand side of the tummy (abdomen).
If
they do appear, symptoms will normally begin two to three months after exposure
to the virus, and last for several months. But the infection can persist for
longer, and may never go away. These chronic infections can lead to serious
liver problems such as liver cancer and cirrhosis (scarring of the liver).
Cirrhosis prevents the liver from working properly; the damage cannot be
reversed and eventually, the liver may stop working altogether.
How is it passed on?
The
hepatitis B virus is transmitted by blood and bodily fluids; in the UK this
occurs mainly through sharing needles for drugs such as heroin, or through
unprotected sex especially with commercial sex workers
What protection is available?
Since
the disease is so serious, the World Health Organization has said that all
babies in the world should be protected by the hepatitis B vaccine. In 2017 the UK decided to introduce a 6-in-1
vaccine for all
babies, which protects against hepatitis B as well as against five other
serious diseases.
There is also an individual (monovalent) vaccine that gives protection against the hepatitis B virus. In the UK this vaccine is given to those at the greatest risk of infection. This includes occupations where the risk is increased including healthcare workers, dentists, dental nurses, police officers and prison officers.
The
hepatitis B vaccinations can be given over three weeks on days 0, 7, 21 days
with a booster given at 12 months. A blood test to check immunity levels for occupational workers can then be
undertaken 4-8 weeks after the third dose to ensuring there are enough antibody
levels for protection negating the need for the 12-month booster dose.
The team at PrivateMedical.clinic™ are very experienced in giving Hep B vaccination and advice on immunity checks.
