Hepatitis B is not a killer virus unlike AIDS but those in the high-risk group should take adequate precautions to avoid the prospect of getting the disease, according to E. Peda Veerraju, gastroenterologist of Pradhama Hospital.
“Hepatitis B is a DNA virus which causes hepatitis. The disease is manifested by loss of appetite, jaundice and vomiting. About 5% of patients with acute hepatitis may remain as chronic carriers (HBsAg +ve) throughout their life,” Dr. Peda Veerraju, said on the eve of World Hepatitis Day on Thursday.
Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease should get hb vaccine early to avoid contracting the infection. All the family members of HBsAg carriers and health care workers, who deal with blood, should get vaccinated, he said.
Many myths
“Hb virus cannot be spread by casual contact such as holding hands, sharing eating utensils or drinking glasses just as in the case of AIDS. There are many myths and misconceptions about Hepatitis B even among educated people in society. The first misconception is that it is a killer virus more dangerous than AIDS virus. Though both the diseases can get transmitted through blood or body fluid and Hepatitis B is more readily transmitted than HIV, the similarity ends there.”
“A small fraction with acute hepatitis will develop chronic liver disease, which can be treated with medicines. The second misconception is that hb infection will always end up in liver cancer. Though a small minority may develop this problem, majority of chronic hepatitis carriers remain healthy throughout their life and need not worry about this possibility all the time.”
Dr. E. Peda Veerraju said that of the 400 million Hepatitis B carriers in the world, 75% were from Asia. They should undergo tests once in six months.
He said that testing for HBsAg was a must for pregnant women, cancer patients, patients on long term steroid therapy and family members of HBsAg carriers. Testing was available at most of the modern laboratories.
“Several vaccines are available to prevent Hepatitis B,” said Dr. Peda Veerraju.
