Understanding Key Causes of Hepatitis B Infection
Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection with multiple transmission routes, including mother-to-child, unsafe injections, and sexual contact. Prevention through vaccination remains the most effective method, as the virus can survive outside the body for days. Early detection and precautions are crucial, especially in children, to avoid lifelong health complications.
Factors Leading to Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a severe, long-term liver infection that differs from Hepatitis A, often resulting in chronic disease and serious health risks. According to WHO, only about 0.7% of the population is affected, thanks to highly effective vaccines providing nearly 100% protection. The infection's course can be acute, lasting less than six months, or chronic, persisting longer. While adults typically recover fully, children infected early may develop lifelong complications, including liver cirrhosis or cancer.
Complete recovery is achievable in most cases, but liver damage may have lasting effects. Adults often recover almost completely, whereas children are at higher risk of developing chronic issues requiring ongoing care. Currently, no cure exists for Hepatitis B, making prevention crucial. If infected, precautions are essential to prevent transmission to others.
Common early signs include:
jaundice,
fever,
joint pain,
nausea,
loss of appetite,
weakness.
The symptoms may appear within one to two months in adults, while children might not show any signs.
Primary Transmission Routes for Hepatitis B
The virus resides in bodily fluids such as blood and semen. Transmission occurs through contact with these fluids, but it does not spread via coughs or sneezes. The main modes include:
From mother to child during childbirth. Testing pregnant women helps prevent neonatal infection through vaccination.
Horizontal transfer among children under five via contact with infected blood. Early childhood infection often results in persistent chronic conditions, sometimes undiagnosed for years.
Use of contaminated needles during injections or medical procedures. Reuse of syringes, unsterilized tattoo or piercing equipment, and sharing razors increase risk.
Unsafe sexual activity with infected partners.
Rarely, transmission may occur during surgeries if contaminated blood is involved.
Notably, Hepatitis B can survive outside the body for up to a week, emphasizing the importance of vaccination and safe practices to prevent infection.
