Hepatitis B defined
It is of the utmost importance that we first establish exactly what Hepatitis B is before looking at Hepatitis B symptoms. Hepatitis, in general, is a medical term referring to inflammation of the liver caused in its entirety by a virus known as the Hepatitis B virus. The inflammation can be the result of some form of immune deficiency, infection, high levels of alcohol consumption, some medications, toxin build-up, or poisoning.
Phases of infection
Hepatitis B comprises of two phases- acute and chronic. Acute hepatitis B occurs prolonged after viral exposure. It can develop into a more severe, not to mention life-threatening form of Hepatitis referred to as Fulminant Hepatitis. Chronic Hepatitis is an HPV infection which lasts more than 6 consecutive months. These patients stand the risk of having the infection for the rest of their lives should the infection become even more chronic.
What causes Hepatitis?
This blood-borne virus is transmitted with the greatest of ease from one individual to another from blood contact. Bodily fluids including semen and saliva containing even a small amount of blood, have the potential to infect. Although, contact with broken skin or mucous membranes will, however, be required before an uninfected person will contract the virus.
Cause unknown
In some cases, the cause of the infection is totally unknown.
Are there any factors increasing my risk of contracting Hepatitis B?
A couple of factors have been identified as to substantially increase your risk of contracting the virus. These include unprotected sex with multiple partners, sex with a Hepatitis B patient, homosexual, or person who suffers from STD’s, needle sharing during drug use and blood transfusions to mention but a few.
Symptoms and signs
Please take note that in most cases, absolutely no signs or symptoms are experienced while some patients develop symptoms as soon as 30 to 180 days after initial exposure. Infection symptoms often resemble that of influenza and may including, loss of appetite, sleepiness, nausea, vomiting, itching all over, pain in liver area, jaundice, pale colored feces and tea to cola colored urine. Acute Viral Hepatitis can have the same symptoms as Hepatitis A or Hepatitis C.
Author :
By: PJ Roberson
You may read additional information about Hepatitis B and who may be a good candidate for the Hepatitis B Vaccine here.