Hepatitis B is actually the most common liver infection in the world today that has serious consequences. It’s caused by a specific virus that will attack the cells of the liver. The end result can lead to organ failure, scarring, or even cancer. It’s transmitted from person-to-person through contact with blood that is infected by the virus. Here are some interesting facts to help you know more about this potentially deadly disease.
1. It Can Be Beaten Back
The average person is going to be able to overcome a Hepatitis B infection with their natural immunities. It might take up to 6 months to fully conquer the disease naturally, but it can be done. During the active infection period, however, those with this virus can pass it along to others. As long as the virus is present in their blood, they are contagious. That’s a good news/bad news scenario for the 400 million people in the world who have this disease already.
2. Chronic Infections Can Happen
In up to 10% of adults and in 90% of infants who get Hepatitis B, their immune systems are unable to fully conquer the disease. This will eventually lead to a chronic infection that will put the person at risk for worsening liver problems later in life. Chronic infections also mean that a person can always spread the virus to others, not matter what happens.
3. Direct Preventions Exist
The problem with Hepatitis B is that it is incredibly infections. Once an exposure happens, a person is almost guaranteed to get the disease. It’s 100 times more virulent than the HIV and AIDS virus. There is a vaccine against it, however, that has been proven to be effective. That’s why making sure children are able to have the vaccine is so important. In the United States, about 100,000 new infections are going to occur. With the vaccine, that doesn’t have to be a reality.
4. It’s Also an STD
Another common method of having Hepatitis B spread is through unprotected sex. Although blood contact is usually required for transmission, sexual contact can also cause an infection to occur. Mothers who have this virus can also pass it along to their children during the pregnancy. Even something as simple as sharing a toothbrush with someone who has an active infection is enough to transfer the virus.
5. Sterilize Everything
The best way to protect yourself is to sterilize everything and never have unprotected sex with an untested partner. Make sure razors and even earrings are clean. Just living in a house with someone who has an active infection will cause it to spread, but holding hands and hugging aren’t problematic.
Hepatitis B will kill about 1 million people every year. By knowing the facts about this disease, no one needs to become another statistic. Get the vaccine, take proper precautions, and be safe out there.