Hepatitis B is Highly Contagious through Infected Blood and Other Bodily Fluids
Hepatitis B is Highly Contagious through Infected Blood and Other Bodily Fluids
By Viola Woolcott
Hepatitis comes from the Latin language and means liver inflammation and is highly contagious. It takes 2-6 months from the time of contact with the virus until the start of the disease and some of the earlier symptoms would include nausea, lacking interest in food, poor appetite, painful muscles and joints as well as mild fever, with the later symptoms including mucous membranes, yellowish colouring of the skin, including the white of the inner eyes, dark urine as well as lighter coloured stools.
It is widely found in homosexual men, drug users as well as immigrants from places such as Asia and South East Asia as well as their sexual partners.
Being caused by a virus infection, it can be spread in different ways. People at risk of contracting Hepatitis B include:
>> Anyone coming into contact with blood from infected people I.e. through blood transfusion of infected blood and exposure to other bodily fluids
>> Coming into contact with contaminated needles which have been used by drug addicts
>> Tattooists, body piercings as well as acupuncturists
>> Babies during delivery from their mothers
>> Anyone having sexual contact with an infected person
>> In rare cases, Hepatitis B can be contracted from person to person among family members without having sexual contact or with infected blood. The virus can be spread by sharing toothbrushes as well as kissing
>> Healthcare workers ( e.g. doctors, dentists, nurses and midwives) who prick themselves accidentally with contaminated needles or come in contact with contaminated blood or fluids
The infection becomes chronic in about 1 out of 20 people. Chronic Hepatitis B could have far milder symptoms like aching muscles and joints. Tiredness. In some cases pressure just below the right ribs as the liver is enlarged. Chronic Type B Hepatitis could cause liver cirrhosis which in some cases can lead to liver cancer.
Don’t share syringes, needles, razors, toothbrushes and during intercourse use condoms.
Related reading:
Living with Hepatitis B: A Survivor’s Guide
Hepatitis B: The Hunt for a Killer Virus
Filed under: Health and Diet on December 3rd, 2007
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