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Hepatitis B
Prevalence of hepatitis B infection
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection occurs throughout the world. It is estimated that more than 2 billion people have been infected, of which more than 350 million have chronic life-long hepatitis B infection. In Southeast Asia including Hong Kong, the overall prevalence of chronic hepatitis B infection is high (>8%). Carriers of HBV are at increased risk of developing cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Some of them are high-risk groups for HCC.high-risk groups for HCC.
High-risk groups for HCC, including:
- Asian men over 40 years of age
- Asian women over 50 years of age
- Persons with cirrhosis
- Persons with a family history of HCC
- Carriers with persistent or intermittent alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevation
- Carriers with persistent or intermittent high HBV DNA level
- Persons with heavy alcohol consumption
- Smokers
Transmission of HBV
HBV is transmitted through:
- Perinatal transmission from infected mother to baby
- Blood or body fluids contact of an infected person
- Unprotected sexual contact with a carrier
Casual contacts, such as, shaking hands and eating at the same table do not cause hepatitis B infection.
Symptoms of hepatitis B infection
If symptoms occur, they might include:
- Mild fever
- Tiredness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Dark urine
Prevention of hepatitis B infection
- Get vaccinated for hepatitis B
- Handle an open wound carefully; make sure it is properly bandaged
- Do not share personal care items, e.g. razors, toothbrushes and needles
- Practice safer sex and use condoms properly
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