Hepatitis B and Hepatitis B Vaccination: What You Need to Know

Hepatitis B (VGB) is an infectious disease caused by the hepatitis B virus. It is a major threat to global health and is the leading cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer in Vietnam. . However, the disease can still be prevented thanks to the vaccines currently available and knowledge about the transmission route and how to prevent transmission of hepatitis B.

This article will provide an overview of the mode of transmission, tests, as well as vaccines against hepatitis B.

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• How is hepatitis B transmitted?
• Tests for Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis B vaccine
• Symptoms of Hepatitis B
• How is hepatitis B treated?

How is hepatitis B transmitted?

Viruses can be transmitted in the following ways:

• From mother to child : this is the most common way of transmission in areas with high HBV prevalence like ours. If the mother is not detected with HBV during pregnancy and does not take measures to protect the baby right after birth, the infection rate in the baby can be up to 70-90%.
• Through blood: The disease can be transmitted through blood transfusion, sharing needles, needles, tattoos, etc. In addition, sharing personal items, razors with people infected with the virus also makes you more likely to infect. VGB.
• Sexually : The virus is present in bodily fluids and can be transmitted sexually if safe precautions are not taken.

And also remember, the disease is not transmitted through the following ways:

• Breastfeeding, sharing utensils, hugging, holding hands, coughing or sneezing
• Not transmitted through the digestive tract

Hepatitis B infection routes

Tests for Hepatitis B

Disease detection test

Tests to detect hepatitis B may be done during a routine physical exam or when HBV is suspected.

It is necessary to have regular health check-ups and regular liver function tests to detect the disease early and have an effective treatment plan.

If we suspect that we are infected, we can test after about 4 weeks from contact with the source of infection (contact through blood transfusion, sexual contact).

Can include tests 

• Liver function test : to determine if the liver is damaged or not
• Testing for hepatitis B antigens and antibodies : including HBsAg and anti-HBs, you need to see your treating doctor for a more detailed explanation of these tests.

>> Acute hepatitis B, if left for a long time, will become chronic hepatitis and can cause dangerous consequences. Find out now!

For patients already sick

It is necessary to perform periodic tests every 3 - 6 months to monitor the progress of the disease and help the treating doctor to assess whether the treatment is responding or not.

These tests include:

• Liver function test: monitor liver damage
• Test to assess the amount of virus in the body ( HBV - DNA): this is a test that shows the amount of virus in the patient's blood to help monitor and evaluate the treatment process.

For vaccinated people

• After vaccination, we should test the number of antibodies (components that fight viruses).
• Normally, if the antibody is above 10 mUI/ml, the body can prevent hepatitis B

Hepatitis B vaccine

Who should be vaccinated?

• Children.
• People who are at high risk of contracting hepatitis B through sex.
• People at high risk of contracting hepatitis B through blood.
• Travelers to countries with HBV outbreaks or high infection rates.
• People who have been infected with hepatitis C .
• People with liver disease.
• People who want to be vaccinated.

Immunization schedule

Children: Hepatitis B vaccine is included in the national immunization program, along with 5-in-1 or 6-in-1 vaccines

• Nose 1: Newborn
• Nose 2: 2 months old
• Nose 3: 3 months old
• Nose 4: 18 months old

>> Specifically, what is the schedule of hepatitis B vaccination for children, what is the price and what are the notes when injecting. Find out the article about hepatitis B vaccine for babies right away .

Adults: There are 2 ways of vaccination:

• Schedule 0 - 1 - 6 months: includes 3 injections.
  • Nose 2: 1 month apart from 1st dose.
  • 3rd dose: 6 months apart from 1st dose.
• Schedule 0 - 1 - 2 - 12: includes 4 stitches.
  • Nose 2: 1 month apart from 1st dose.
  • Nose 3: 1 2 months apart.
  • Nose 4: 12 months apart from the 1st.

How long will immunity last?

A hepatitis B vaccine preparation

Currently, the most commonly used vaccine is the hepatitis B vaccine Engerix . Studies show that, if vaccinated after 6 months of age, immunity can last up to 30 years. However, it is still a good idea to have your antibody levels checked every year. If the antibody level is < 10="" mu/ml="" should=""> inject 1 booster dose of hepatitis B .

Symptoms of Hepatitis B

During acute infection

This is the stage when the virus stays in the body for about 6 months, and can be completely treated.

Symptoms include:

• Pain in the right hip, pain when moving.
• High fever.
• Jaundice.
• Fatigue, muscle aches, loss of appetite, vomiting, nausea .
• Small, dark urine.
• Discolored stools.

>> Jaundice is a typical symptom of Hepatitis B, but it is also a manifestation of many other dangerous diseases. Find out immediately the article What does Jaundice in adults signal?

In the period of chronic infection

This is the stage when the virus stays in the body for more than 6 months and cannot be completely eliminated from the body. Patients will have to live with the virus for the rest of their lives.

Symptoms in this stage are quite faint

• Digestive disorders.
• Yellow skin, yellow eyes.
• Mild fever.
• Fatigue for no apparent reason.

How is hepatitis B treated?

In the early stages of the disease

In this stage, the treatment of the disease is mainly supportive treatment and monitoring of severe progression. The disease can be completely treated at this stage.

• Should be hospitalized for monitoring
• Absolute rest during the symptomatic period.
• Limit eating fat, abstain from alcohol, avoid using drugs that are harmful to the liver

During the period of persistent illness

Treatment in this stage is mainly to slow the disease process but cannot completely eliminate the virus from the body. Medications that can be used in the treatment of hepatitis B

• Inhibitors of viral replication: these drugs stop the virus from multiplying and slow the disease process.
• Medicines that stimulate the body's immune system and destroy invading viruses.

>> If you suspect you have this disease, immediately pocket the small tips before going to the doctor about Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a relatively common disease in our country and can lead to serious consequences such as liver cancer and cirrhosis. However, the disease can be prevented as well as treated to slow its progression if detected early, monitored and treated appropriately. Hopefully, the above article will give readers an overview of the disease as well as ways to prevent and treat this dangerous disease.