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How dangerous is hepatitis B? How is it transmitted? Early warning signs? Prevention with vaccines and lifestyle. All important information, explained simply and easily. Protect your liver today!
1. Causes of Hepatitis B
Viêm gan B (HBV) là một loại virus nguy hiểm. Khi xâm nhập vào cơ thể, loại virus này đặc biệt “ưa thích” tấn công và sinh sôi ngay trong các tế bào gan của chúng ta.
The concerning thing is that the hepatitis B virus is very 'clever'. It has the ability to 'hide' very well, causing the immune system – the body's defense army – to not detect it in time to eliminate it. This 'hiding' leads to silent, prolonged damage to the liver.
2. How is Hepatitis B transmitted? Understand it correctly to prevent it.
Understanding the transmission route is key to effective prevention. Hepatitis B virus is NOT transmitted through normal contact such as handshakes, hugs, sneezing, coughing, using the same utensils, or eating food cooked by an infected person.
- Blood Road: Sharing needles (drug injection), syringes, medical/tattoo/piercing equipment that have not been properly sterilized. Sharing personal items that can easily come into contact with blood, such as razors, toothbrushes, and nail clippers.
- From Mother to Child: This is a common route of transmission in children. A pregnant mother infected with HBV can transmit the virus to her child, especially the risk is very high (over 90%) if there are no protective measures immediately after birth (vaccination and specific serum for the baby).
- The Path of Lust: Unprotected sexual intercourse (without using condoms) with an infected person, whether heterosexual or homosexual, carries the risk of infection due to exposure to semen, vaginal fluids, or blood.
3. Symptoms of Hepatitis B
One noteworthy and also very dangerous thing about hepatitis B is: Many people are sick but do not have any clear symptoms., especially in young children under 5 years old or those with weak immune systems. They can carry the virus and unknowingly transmit the disease to others.
- Constantly tired, lethargic for no apparent reason, may have a mild fever.
- Loss of appetite, food doesn't taste good.
- Nausea, pain in the right upper quadrant (location of the liver)
- Jaundice, yellow eyes (the clearest sign)
- Urine is dark like tea.
- Pale silver color, faint like clay
ADVICE: If there are signs above, especially jaundice, please go get a blood test right away!
4. Diagnosing Hepatitis B: Blood Tests Are the Key
Bác sĩ sẽ hỏi về tiền sử bệnh (có tiếp xúc với nguồn lây không? gia đình có ai mắc không?) và các triệu chứng bạn gặp phải. Tuy nhiên, the key to confirming certainty do you have hepatitis B or not, what stage are you in, through various blood test specialized:
- HBsAg Testing (Surface Antigen): This is the first and most important test. "Positive" result means you is infected with hepatitis B virus in the body.
- Anti-HBs Testing (Surface Antibody): The result of 'Positive' is good news! It indicates that you has protective antibodies, it may be due to having been fully vaccinated or having previously been infected and the body successfully eliminated the virus.
- Testing to Evaluate Infectivity & Viral Activity (HBeAg, Anti-HBe): Help the doctor assess whether the virus is replicating strongly and easily transmissible to others, and partially evaluate the treatment response.
- Core Antibody Testing (Anti-HBc): Helps determine if you have been exposed to the HBV virus in the past (may have recovered or are currently chronically infected).
- HBV-DNA Testing: Measuring the actual amount of virus present in the blood. A high level of virus means a high risk of liver damage and strong infectivity.
The doctor is the one who explains the results most accurately to you! Don't self-diagnose when receiving test results.
5. Hepatitis B Treatment: Can It Be Completely Cured?
- Acute Hepatitis B: In most cases, the body can eliminate the virus on its own without the need for specific medication. The treatment mainly involves rest, eating a healthy diet, closely monitoring, and protecting the liver.
- Chronic Hepatitis B: This is the condition of the virus persisting in the body for a long time (> 6 months). Most patients will require long-term treatment, even for a lifetime.The treatment goal is:
- Inhibit the multiplication of the virus (using antiviral medication).
- Prevent or slow the progression of cirrhosis and liver cancer.
- Reduce the risk of infecting others.
Strictly adhering to the treatment protocol and regular check-ups as scheduled by the doctor is a vital factor. to control chronic hepatitis B well.
6. Preventing Hepatitis B: Vaccines & Ways to Protect Yourself
The good news is Hepatitis B CAN BE COMPLETELY PREVENTED! This is the most powerful weapon:
Tiêm Vắc-xin Viêm Gan B: Đây là cách phòng bệnh the safest and most effective, creating long-lasting protective antibodies. Vaccines are recommended for injection for:
- All newborns (vaccinated within the first 24 hours after birth).
- Children and adolescents who have not received the full dose: 3 doses (0-1-6 months)
- Adults who do not have protective antibodies (as tested by Anti-HBs test).
- High-risk individuals (healthcare workers, people living with HBV-infected individuals, people with multiple sexual partners ...).
- Absolutely do not share: Syringe, syringe pump, razor, toothbrush, nail clippers… with anyone.
- Safe sexual relations: Always use condoms properly with partners whose HBV infection status is unclear.
- Be cautious with tattooing and piercing services: Only go to reputable establishments that ensure the tools are sterilized absolutely.
- Safe handling when in contact with blood: Wear medical gloves if you need to care for someone else's wound or clean up blood.
If you suspect you have been in contact with a source of hepatitis B infection. (for example: stepping on a syringe, having unsafe relations with an infected person...), please to see the doctor IMMEDIATELYIn some cases, the doctor may prescribe vaccination combined with specific immune serum within 24-48 hours to prevent infection.
7. Conclusion & Practical Actions
Hepatitis B is a dangerous disease, but it can be completely prevented and controlled. Correct understanding of the transmission routes, symptoms, and preventive measures is the key to protecting yourself and your loved ones.
TAKE ACTION TODAY!
- Check your and your child's vaccination record.
- Blood test if the condition is unclear.
- Share this information with your loved ones
Protect your liver today - Enjoy a healthy life tomorrow!
Reference document
- Hepatitis B. MedlinePlus. Updated February 7, 2024. Accessed June 2, 2025. https://medlineplus.gov/hepatitisb.html
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