Hepatitis B Virus: Seek Treatment Before It Turns Into Liver Cancer

     Many of you may have heard of the Hepatitis B virus, but might not know how important it is and what diseases it can cause. Hepatitis B virus is a major cause of hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer, even in individuals who do not drink alcoholic beverages.

How do you know if you're infected with Hepatitis B virus?

     Most patients infected with the Hepatitis B virus do not show symptoms or may have non-specific symptoms. The only way to know for sure if you're infected with the Hepatitis B virus is through a blood test. Prevention can be achieved by getting the Hepatitis B vaccine.

How is the Hepatitis B virus transmitted?

     Hepatitis B virus is transmitted in three ways: from mother to child during pregnancy, through sexual contact, and contact with blood and blood products, such as serum and platelets.

Most Hepatitis B virus patients in Thailand are infected during childhood, usually from a mother who is a carrier. When infected in childhood, while the immune system is still not fully developed, it often results in chronic infection with the Hepatitis B virus that typically does not show symptoms.

Hepatitis B in adults

     In adults, Hepatitis B infection is often acute, with specific symptoms caused by the immune system attempting to destroy the virus. In most cases, the body can clear the virus on its own.

Who should get tested for Hepatitis B virus infection?

Individuals who should be tested for Hepatitis B virus, even without symptoms, include those who are at risk of infection, such as:

• Individuals who have a spouse or family member who is infected with Hepatitis B virus
• Pregnant women
• Individuals with chronic hepatitis with an unknown cause

The Symptoms of Hepatitis B

     Patients who show symptoms of hepatitis, such as fatigue, yellowing of the skin or eyes, black stools, or vomiting blood (which may suggest cirrhosis), should also get tested. In Thailand, where Hepatitis B is prevalent, it is recommended that everyone be tested for the Hepatitis B virus, even if they show no symptoms. A single blood test can determine whether or not you are infected with the Hepatitis B virus (there is no need for annual testing like general health check-ups).

Treatments When You Have Hepatitis B Infection

     Currently, medical science has developed antiviral drugs that are effective in treating Hepatitis B virus. You can consult a doctor to see if you should be treated with antiviral medication. Those in the carrier stage may not need antiviral treatment yet. Regardless of whether or not you receive antiviral treatment, individuals infected with the Hepatitis B virus should undergo liver cancer screening every 6 months to detect early-stage liver cancer.

Preventions of Hepatitis B Virus Infection

     Hepatitis B virus can be prevented with a vaccine, which requires three doses. The second dose is given 1 month after the first, and the third dose is given 6 months after the first. Completing the full 3-dose vaccination course provides over 90% protection against Hepatitis B virus infection.