hepatitis b symptomsHepatitis B has an incubation period that ranges from 6 weeks to 6 months and the manifestations of the disease depend on the age at infection, the infected person's immune system, the level of HBV replication.

Perinatally infected infants generally have no clinical signs or symptoms, and infection produces typical illness in only 5-15% of children aged 1-5 years. Older children and adults are symptomatic in 33-50% of infections.

The symptoms of acute HPB infection include: anorexia, nausea, malaise, vomiting, arthralgias, myalgias, headache, photophobia, pharyngitis, cough, coryza, jaundice, dark urine (like cola or tea), clay-colored or light stools, and abdominal pain, jaundice, itching all over the body. Most people think they have flu and never think about having HBV infection. A few patients may have more severe liver disease (fulminant hepatic failure), and may die as a result of it. The infection may also be entirely asymptomatic and may go unrecognized.

Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus may be either asymptomatic or may be associated with a chronic inflammation of the liver (chronic hepatitis), leading to cirrhosis over a period of several years. This type of infection dramatically increases the incidence of liver cancer. Hepatitis D infection requires a concomitant infection with hepatitis B. Co-infection with hepatitis D increases the risk of liver cirrhosis and subsequently, liver cancer.

TREATMENT

There are several types of treatment for Hepatitis B in the form of antivirals such as Interferon alfa-2b (Intron A), Lamivudine (Epivir-HBV), Adefovir dipivoxil (Hepsera), Entecavir (Baraclude).

Chronic carriers should be strongly encouraged to avoid consuming alcohol as it increases their risk for cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer).

Infants born to mothers known to carry hepatitis B can be treated with antibodies to the hepatitis B virus (hepatitis B immune globulin or HBIg). When given with the vaccine within twelve hours of birth, the risk of acquiring hepatitis B is reduced 95%. This treatment also allows a mother to safely breastfeed her child.

PREVENTION

Hepatitis B is one of the major diseases of mankind that can be prevented with vaccination. Two types of recombinant hepatitis B vaccines are licensed for use in the United States; both are effective and safe.

There is a universal vaccination which refers to the administration of HBV vaccine to all infants as a part of the routine childhood immunization schedule and to all children younger than 11 or 12 years who have not previously received a vaccine, and a passive immunization which refers to the administration of preformed human or animal antibody, in the form of hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG), to patients after or just before exposure.

Almost anyone can receive the vaccine, including infants, older adults and those with compromised immune systems. Infants often receive the vaccine in the first year of life typically at two, four and nine months of age.

Another means of preventing getting infected with HBV is to avoid unprotected sexual contact unless you are absolutely certain that your partner isn't infected with HBV, or any other STD. If you use a needle to inject illicit drugs, make sure it's sterile and don't share it.