Daily Health Tips

Acute Hepatitis B

The symptoms of acute hepatitis B occur after 1 to 4 months of acquiring the virus. Many people may not have any symptoms. Symptoms include:

- Fatigue
- Decreased appetite (anorexia)
- Nausea
- Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin
- Pain in the upper right abdomen
- Painful or swollen joints
- These symptoms usually disappear within 3 months.

A very low proportion of persons with acute hepatitis B (0.1 to 0.5%) developed a more severe form of illness characterized by liver failure (fulminant hepatitis).

Chronic Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B infection is often asymptomatic or only manifested by nonspecific symptoms such as tiredness or decreased appetite. Exacerbations occur occasionally inflammatory activity of the liver that can lead to exacerbation of symptoms. To the extent that the infection causes more damage in the liver, can manifest symptoms of liver cirrhosis.

10 to 20% of patients may have extra-hepatic manifestations of the disease, most often vasculitis and glomerulonephritis.

Routes of transmission of hepatitis B

The hepatitis B virus is transmitted through contact with blood or body fluids. The routes of transmission include:

Sex: Probably the most common form of infection in Chile. Transmission can be through both heterosexual and homosexual relationships.
Blood transfusions: Today is a form of non-existent due to transmission tests routinely performed on blood that is used for transfusions.
Perinatal transmission: This involves the transmission of hepatitis B virus from mother to child, usually near the time of delivery. It is an important mode of transmission in high prevalence countries such as China.
Injectable drugs: The use of syringes and / or contaminated needles is a major route of infection.
Tattoos, piercings or piercings done with disposable material.
Close contact: Infection can occur if blood from an infected person comes into contact with mucous membranes (eyes, mouth, genitals) or minor injuries from another person. This occurs, for example, when sharing a razor, toothbrush or nail clippers.
Medical Procedures: The hepatitis B virus can be transmitted through contaminated instruments during invasive medical procedures such as surgery if the recommended precautions.

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