Hepatitis B and its medical status

The hepatitis B virus is responsible for causing the infectious illness known as Hepatitis B. Generally, the virus of hepatitis B infects the liver of hominoid to cause an inflammation. At present the hepatitis B virus has infected almost more than 2 billion people.  The virus of hepatitis B gets transmitted from exposures to infectious blood. This virus can be developed while dialysis, transfusions, working in a health care setting, tattooing, acupuncture and extended overseas travel. The activities of casual contact like holding hands, kissing, hugging, sneezing, coughing or sharing utensils or drinking glasses are not responsible for spreading the Hepatitis B viruses.

Live inflammation, vomits, jaundice and rare death is caused by the acute illness. Cirrhosis and fatal liver cancer is causes by the hepatitis B. As an indication for possible symptom of all types of hepatitis virus is an itchy skin. Mostly, the illness just lasts for few weeks and then sudden improvement is detected in the condition of affected patient. Few patients may get infected with more severe liver disease that can result in the death of the patient.

Transmission of Hepatitis B       
The virus of hepatitis B is mostly transmitted from exposure to body fluids containing blood or infectious blood. Mostly blood transfusions, sexual contact, vertical transmission from mother to child during childbirth and re-use of contaminated needles are possible forms of transmission of hepatitis B. Even non intact contact of skin or mucous membrane with secretions or saliva containing HBV can also result in transmission of virus responsible for hepatitis B.

Symptoms of Hepatitis B
Major Symptoms of hepatitis B are fever, nausea, stomach pains, fever, fatigue, appetite loss, dark urine and jaundice.    

Treatments for Hepatitis B
A post-exposure antibody injection is quite effective of hepatitis B within three days of exposure. A diet rich in proteins and carbohydrates is helpful for protecting your liver and to repair the damaged cells. The individuals infected with the Hepatitis B must take liver function and cancer screening tests annually. Alcohol should be avoided or taken in limited quantity as it can harm the liver of the infected person. Drugs should only be taken under the supervision of a physician otherwise these drugs can damage the liver of infected person.   

Vaccinations against Hepatitis B
Prevention is better than cure so it would be wise to get vaccinated against the hepatitis B. These vaccinations provide immunity for at least five years. For all the newborns, teenagers, infants and people in high-risk groups it would be beneficial to get vaccinated.  

How to avoid Hepatitis B
Individuals can protect themselves by using some precautions like

• By using a condom for sex
• Never share the drug needles
• Always wear gloves before touching blood of another person.
• Never borrow razor, toothbrush, or products that can have blood on it
• The patients of hepatitis B should never donate the blood or blood products.
• Tattoos or piercings should only be done with the help of sterile tools 

Latest development
The scientists of National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) are researching on the better strategies and results of antiviral medicines to treat hepatitis B.