FACT SHEET HEPATITIS B FICHE D'INFORMATION HÉPATITE B HOJA INFORMATIVA HEPATITIS B B型肝炎情況說明書

AJK and its role in improving the well-being of communities. Public health is the foundation of a strong society, focusing on disease prevention, health promotion, and creating awareness about safe practices. In AJK, public health programs aim to ensure better access to healthcare facilities, vaccination drives, maternal and child health services, clean water, and sanitation improvements. Public Health AJK initiatives also emphasize training healthcare workers, strengthening health systems, and educating communities about nutrition and hygiene. By addressing both preventive and curative measures, these efforts help reduce disease burdens and improve the overall quality of life. With increasing challenges such as pandemics, malnutrition, and environmental health concerns, Public Health AJK continues to play a vital role in protecting families and building healthier futures for the region.

FACT SHEET HEPATITIS B

What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a virus that enters the bloodstream and then infects the liver. Clinical signs and symptoms occur more often in adults than in infants or children.

 

Approximately 10% of all people infected with hepatitis B will stay

infected for a lifetime, however infants and young children infected with hepatitis B have a 90 percent chance of becoming life long carriers of the disease. Long-term infection may result in liver disease or cancer.

Who gets hepatitis B?
Anyone can get hepatitis B. However, certain people have a greater chance of becoming infected; these people include babies born to hepatitis-b positive mothers, IV drug users, sexual partners of infected persons, and medical and dental workers.

How is the hepatitis B spread?
Hepatitis B is most often spread from person to person through contact with infected semen, vaginal secretions, or blood.

Having sex with an infected person and sharing needles for drug use are two very common ways that people become infected. Babies born to infected mothers and people who live in the house with a "carrier" of hepatitis B are also at risk.

What are the symptoms of Hepatitis B?
Symptoms may be mild or they may be very severe. Symptoms may include extreme tiredness, nausea, vomiting, fever, headache, skin rashes, stomach pain, tea-colored urine, and yellowing of skin and eyes (jaundice). Most people infected with hepatitis B do not develop all symptoms and may never know they are infected.

How soon do the symptoms of Hepatitis B appear?
Loss of appetite and stomach pain commonly appears within 2 to 3 months, but can occur from 6 weeks to 6 months after infection.

How long can an infected person spread the virus?

A person can spread the virus as long as it remains in their blood. Most adults will get rid of the virus within 4 to 6 months; however, about 1 out of every 10 infected adults will become lifelong “carriers”, meaning they will probably never get rid of the virus. Nine out of 10 infected babies will become life-long "carriers". 

Most hepatitis B carriers have no symptoms of hepatitis, but some will develop serious liver disease years later. Most hepatitis B carriers do not look or feel sick. However, they may eventually develop serious liver diseases such as cirrhosis or liver cancer.Even though carriers may feel healthy, they can still spread the hepatitis B virus to other people.

How is hepatitis B diagnosed?

A blood test is used to detect infection with the hepatitis B virus.

Can a person get hepatitis B again?

If antibodies develop, one infection with the hepatitis B virus protects a person form getting it again. Carriers remain infected for life. However, there are different kinds of hepatitis; infection with hepatitis B will not stop a person from

getting other types of hepatitis.

What is the treatment for hepatitis B?

There is no specific treatment for acute HBV infection. People who are sick with hepatitis B should see a doctor for advice about how to control their symptoms. 25-40% of adults with chronic HBV infection and liver disease achieve long-term remission after treatment with interferon-alfa.

What can be done if a person comes into contact with someone infected with hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) and hepatitis B vaccine can prevent infection if given within 7 days after an exposure. This treatment is available from doctors in your community. Infants, whose mothers have hepatitis B receive HBIG and begin vaccination at time of birth. Remaining vaccinations should be completed by 6 months of age. Additionally, the baby will have blood tests at 9-12 months to be sure the vaccine has protected them from hepatitis B

disease.

 

How can infection with hepatitis B be prevented?

Never share needles for drug use, ear piercing, tattooing, or any other purpose. Avoid contact with the blood or wound drainage of any other person. Use condoms when having sex.

Is there a vaccine to prevent hepatitis B?

Yes, there is a vaccine to protect against hepatitis B. It is recommended for children, adolescents, and all newborn babies before they leave the hospital (usually within the first 24 hours of birth), and persons who are at high risk for infection or anyone wishing to lower his or her risk of getting hepatitis B. A three dose series will protect the majority of people who are vaccinated. Information for persons with acute or chronic hepatitis B

What can you do to take care of yourself?

Avoid alcoholic beverages and street drugs. They will damage your liver.

Avoid taking prescription or over-the-counter medicines unless your doctor tells you it is OK.

Eat a healthy diet (low fat) and get enough rest. If you are vomiting after eating tell your doctor. See your doctor for a check-up.

Persons with acute hepatitis: Discuss with your doctor about having a blood test (6 months after you first became infected) to see if you have become a carrier of hepatitis B. Carriers may develop serious liver disease in the future and can pass the disease on to others.

Women with chronic hepatitis: Discuss with your doctor about having a blood test every 6-12 months to make sure your liver is healthy and there is not a liver cancer developing.

Talk to your doctor about having a special test (called an "ultrasound") done on your liver occasionally.

If you get pregnant, tell your doctor you have hepatitis B.

Women with acute hepatitis: The baby will need to receive hepatitis B immune globulin and the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine at birth. The baby will need to complete the vaccine series by 6 months of age and then have post-vaccination testing to assure they are protected.

Persons with chronic hepatitis: It is important that your baby receive hepatitis B immune globulin and the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine immediately after birth to prevent infection from occurring. The baby will need to complete the vaccine series by 6 months of age and then have post-vaccination testing to assure they are protected.

What can you do to protect others?

Cover all cuts and sores with a bandage and wash hands well after touching blood or body fluids.

Throw away any items that have your blood on them, such as bandages and menstrual pads, in plastic bags and close tightly. Wash hands well after touching your blood or body fluids.

Clean up blood spills with paper towels. Then clean the area with a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 100 parts water, one-quarter cup bleach to a gallon of water).

Tell your sex partner that you have hepatitis B, use a condom, and encourage your partner to be tested and,vaccinated against hepatitis B.

Have your sex partners and all those living in your household to see a doctor for testing and for hepatitis B vaccination. Do not allow anyone to come into contact with your blood or body fluids.

Do not share chewing gum, toothbrushes, razors, scissors, needles for ear piercing, nail files, or anything else that may come in contact with your blood or body fluids.

Do not share food, drink, cigarettes, lipstick, or lip balm.

Do not share syringes and needles.

Do not donate blood, plasma, body organs, sperm, or breast milk

Hepatitis B: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is Hepatitis B?

   - Hepatitis B is a virus that infects the liver. It can cause mild to severe illness, and symptoms are more common in adults than in infants or children. About 10% of infected people become lifelong carriers of the virus, which can lead to liver disease or cancer.

2. Who is at risk of getting Hepatitis B?

   - Anyone can get Hepatitis B, but the risk is higher for certain groups, including babies born to infected mothers, IV drug users, sexual partners of infected individuals, and healthcare workers.

3. How is Hepatitis B transmitted?

   - Hepatitis B spreads through contact with infected blood, semen, or vaginal fluids. Common ways of transmission include sexual contact, sharing needles, and from mother to baby during childbirth.

4. What are the symptoms of Hepatitis B?

   - Symptoms may include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, fever, headaches, skin rashes, stomach pain, dark urine, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). Some people may not experience symptoms and may never know they are infected.

5. How soon do symptoms of Hepatitis B appear?

   - Symptoms usually appear 2 to 3 months after infection but can range from 6 weeks to 6 months.

6. How long can an infected person spread Hepatitis B?

   - An infected person can spread the virus as long as it is present in their blood. While most adults clear the virus within 4 to 6 months, about 10% of infected adults and 90% of infected infants become lifelong carriers.

7. How is Hepatitis B diagnosed?

   - Hepatitis B is diagnosed with a blood test that detects the virus.

8. Can a person get Hepatitis B more than once?

   - No, if a person develops antibodies after infection, they are protected from getting Hepatitis B again. However, they can still get other types of hepatitis, such as Hepatitis A or C.

9. What is the treatment for Hepatitis B?

   - There is no specific treatment for acute Hepatitis B. Chronic Hepatitis B may be treated with interferon-alfa, which can help achieve long-term remission for some individuals.

10. What should someone do if exposed to Hepatitis B?

   - If exposed to Hepatitis B, immediate medical treatment with Hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) and the Hepatitis B vaccine within 7 days can prevent infection.

11. How can Hepatitis B be prevented?

   - To prevent Hepatitis B, avoid sharing needles, use condoms during sex, avoid contact with blood or wound drainage from others, and ensure babies born to infected mothers receive preventive treatment. The Hepatitis B vaccine is also highly effective.

12. Is there a vaccine for Hepatitis B?

   - Yes, there is a vaccine for Hepatitis B. It is recommended for all newborns, children, and people at high risk. The vaccine is administered in a three-dose series, which provides protection for most people.

13. What steps should be taken by people with Hepatitis B to care for themselves?

   - People with Hepatitis B should avoid alcohol and drugs, take medications only with a doctor’s approval, eat a healthy diet, get enough rest, and see a doctor regularly for check-ups.

14. What should pregnant women with Hepatitis B do?**

   - Pregnant women with Hepatitis B should inform their doctor, as the baby will need immediate treatment with HBIG and the Hepatitis B vaccine at birth. Follow-up vaccination and testing are necessary to protect the baby.

15. How can someone with Hepatitis B protect others?**

   - To protect others, people with Hepatitis B should cover all cuts, wash hands after touching blood, avoid sharing personal items like razors or toothbrushes, and inform their sex partners about their condition. They should also avoid donating blood, organs, or other bodily fluids.

16. What should household members and sexual partners of someone with Hepatitis B do?**

   - Household members and sexual partners should be tested for Hepatitis B and vaccinated if necessary to prevent infection.

 If you want to know more about public health and its different aspects, please see the below link:

MPOX Outbreak

Scope of Public Health

Public Health Adminsistartion