Symptoms of a Hepatitis B Infection
Hepatitis B is an infection that affects the liver. Hepatitis B in an infectious virus caused by a virus. It can be contracted by exposure to infected blood and other body fluids. Most individuals will experience a full recovery from hepatitis B, but a few will have lifelong liver problems. Symptoms generally appear about 12 weeks after exposure to the virus. Hepatitis B infections can be prevented with vaccinations and safety precautions. Treatments generally involve taking antiviral medications to combat the virus.
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Stomach Symptoms
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Individuals with hepatitis B may experience nausea from time to time. Also, they may have intermittent vomiting. Many will experience poor appetite. Also, pain may be felt in the abdominal region, especially in the area near the liver.
Other Symptoms
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Individuals with hepatitis B may feel unusually fatigued. Also, they may feel weaker than normal. Hepatitis B may cause the color of the urine to darken to light brown color. Hepatitis B may cause jaundice which causes the eyes and skin to appear yellowish. Individuals with hepatitis B may also experience pain in various body joints.
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Long-Term Complications
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According to the Mayo Clinic, children are at the greatest risk of developing serious long-term complications. In severe cases, hepatitis B may lead to liver cancer or cirrhosis of the liver. Also, liver failure may occur, necessitating a transplant.
Prevention
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Vaccinations are typically given to babies soon after they are born and then again when they are 1 month old and again at 6 months old. Additional vaccinations are given around the ages of 11 and 15. According to the Mayo Clinic, the vaccinations are about 90 percent effective in preventing a hepatitis B infection. Other prevention strategies include having protected sex only, avoid sharing needles with anyone and get additional vaccinations when traveling abroad.
Treatment
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Individuals who know that they have been exposed to hepatitis B can immediately receive and injection of hepatitis B immune globulin to help prevent infection. Otherwise, treatment usually does not begin until bothersome symptoms have occurred and damage has already been done. Antiviral medications may be used to treat the infection by slowing and eventually stopping the progression of the disease.
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