Hepatitis B is an infectious disease that affects the liver causing it to become inflamed; This infection is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). This disease can become acute or chronic, producing liver cancer, liver cirrhosis, liver failure and in the worst case, death.
Hepatitis B is caused by the presence of the virus of the Orthohepadnavirus species, corresponding to the Hepadnaviridae family. This virus is composed of eight genotypes (HA), which are distributed differently geographically and which mainly interfere with the functions of the liver.
Among the causes that originate this type of infection are: contact with an infected person, through blood or body fluids (saliva, semen, vaginal fluids). Persons prone to contracting the disease are those who: receive blood transfusions; have sex without using condoms; through birth (the mother can infect her baby at the time of delivery); if tattoos are done; consume drugs through injections; or have been on kidney dialysis for a long time.
It is important to note that in the case of blood transfusions, the chances of contracting hepatitis B are relatively low, since before using the blood for transfusions, it is carefully analyzed.
There is the possibility that the person infected for the first time with the virus, does not immediately present symptoms, they may take up to six months after having the disease. The most common symptoms are: yellowish skin, cloudy urine, poor appetite, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, nausea and vomiting.
These symptoms can disappear in a few months if the individual's body manages to fight the infection. However, there are cases where the person cannot be cured of this disease, originating what is known as chronic hepatitis.
Chronic hepatitis can lead to severe liver damage and cirrhosis of the liver over time.
The treatment used in these cases is the administration of drugs such as interferon, adefovir and lamivudine.
The important thing about seeking medical help is that in this way hepatitis B is prevented from becoming chronic.
Another very important aspect has to do with prevention, it is recommended to apply vaccines against hepatitis B, these can be given to older children and adults. People generally need three doses of vaccines, in order to have the necessary antibodies to be immune to the virus.
