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Hepatitis B
Symptoms, Cause & treatment

Meet Our Gastroenterologist
Dr. Dr. Vikas Jindal
Dr. Vikas Jindal

Gastroenterology

Experience: 10+ Years

Delhi

Dr. Dr. Anukalp Prakash
Dr. Anukalp Prakash

Gastroenterology

Experience: 18+ Years

Gurgaon

What is Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is known as a silent infection for which there isn’t any easily visible symptom. It is a liver-infecting virus that can cause both acute and chronic illnesses. The virus typically transfers from mother to child during labour or delivery or can be contacted through blood or other bodily fluids during sexual intercourse with an infected partner or exposure to infected needles or instruments. There are available hepatitis B vaccines available to prevent the spread of this virus.

Hepatitis B symptoms and signs range from being mild to severe. The symptoms may occur weeks after being infected or 3-4 months after being infected. Below are common symptoms of Hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B infection is known to be caused by HBV (hepatitis B virus). The mode of transmission of the virus can happen in several ways, such as through blood, salvia or sperms or any other bodily discharges. But rest be sure, it does not spread by coughing or sneezing.

In highly endemic areas, where diseases are widely spread, hepatitis B is the most commonly spread virus that spreads from the mother to the child at the time of birth if the mother has previously been infected with the virus.

Hepatitis B is spread by pricky needles such as inking and piercing or through contact with contaminated blood and physiological fluids such as saliva, menstrual, vaginal, and sperm secretions. Reusing contaminated needles, injections, or syringes can also spread the virus.

According to the World Health Organization, the hepatitis B virus can persist outside the body for at least 7 days. During this time, if the virus enters the body of someone who has not been vaccinated, it might still cause infection. The hepatitis B virus has an incubation period of 30 to 180 days

The following tests can aid in the diagnosis of hepatitis B or its complications

If in case you have been exposed to the hepatitis B virus, and are looking for th best treatment available. It is first important to know the cause of Hepatitis and the severity of the infection. Following are some of the treatment methods used depending on if it is acute hepatitis infection or chronic hepatitis infection

There can be several serious complications of hepatitis B

For prevention of Hepatitis, there is typically a hepatitis B vaccine given within 6 months, covering 3-4 injections. The vaccine for hepatitis B is recommended to:

FAQ
Can you survive hepatitis B?

Survival after being infected with hepatitis B typically depends on its damage to the body. However, in most cases, if diagnosed at an early stage, it can be treated well, thereby increasing the survival rates.

How long can you have hepatitis B without knowing?

An individual who does not develop any severe symptoms can go 8-12 weeks without knowing that they have hepatitis B.

What happens if you test positive for hepatitis B?

Depending on the severity of the injection in the body, the doctors recommend the best suitable treatment for treating hepatitis B.

Does Hepatitis cause weight gain?

Gaining weight or losing weight is common after being infected with the hepatitis B virus.