People say many things about Hepatitis B, some true, some untrue. The question now is, is what you know about Hepatitis B true?
Let’s find out as we debunk some myths and discuss facts about Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B causes the liver to get inflamed, and it is caused by a virus called the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is one of the various strains of Hepatitis which ranges from A to E and can be spread through blood and body fluids like semen and vagina secretions.
The disease can lead to liver cirrhosis; a complication that causes abnormal structure and function of the liver, and even liver cancer and maybe even death.
In many cases, Hepatitis B does not have any noticeable symptoms and usually passes within months. But the disease can be prevented. A vaccine exists which offers 98-100% protection from the virus and the resulting complications.
Hepatitis B is a cause for concern in many countries around the world but a lot of the fear is misplaced. Many people do not have adequate information about the disease, the damage it can cause, and even how it is spread.
There are some common misconceptions about the nature and effects of the disease.
6 Popular Myths and Facts About Hepatitis B
Myth: Hepatitis B can be gotten from mosquito bites
Fact: Mosquito bites cannot transmit the disease. The disease can be transmitted through blood and bodily fluids.
Myth: There is no available treatment for Hepatitis B
Fact: Although the disease is not curable, there are efficient treatment methods for patients suffering from chronic Hepatitis B. These treatments can suppress the effects of the disease on the liver and help patients live normal lives.
Myth: Hepatitis can spread through casual contacts such as handshakes and hugs, and sharing of food and utensils.
Fact: Sharing utensils and items with infected people cannot transmit the disease to an uninfected person. Transmission of the disease requires intimate contact involving body fluids. It can also be transmitted to a baby from an infected mother at birth.
Myth: Hepatitis can be gotten from mosquito bites
Fact: Hepatitis can be transmitted through bodily fluids, not mosquito bites
Myth: Breastfeeding is unsafe if you have Hepatitis
Fact: Hepatitis B virus cannot be transmitted via breast milk so it is safe for an infected mother to breastfeed. An uninfected baby can be vaccinated against the virus and this will reduce the risk of transmission.
Myth: Hepatitis B is very rare
Fact: Hepatitis B is not rare at all. In fact, it is one of the most common infectious diseases in the world. World Health Organization reports that 400 million people worldwide are chronically infected with Hepatitis B
Myth: Hepatitis B is always fatal
Fact: Many people who are infected with Hepatitis B go on to live full, normal lives. When the disease is discovered early, treatment can begin in time to prevent any damage to the liver. Not everyone who has the infection dies.
The number of cases of Hepatitis B continues to increase all over the world but there is still a lot of ignorance about the nature of the disease.
It is very important to have the correct information about sexually transmitted diseases especially if you are sexually active, and also know one’s sexual health status.
