Hepatitis B Case Study

When we think about viral infections, images of minuscule vesicles carrying DNA jump into the forefronts of our minds. Yet we forget to associate it with our families, our loved ones, or even ourselves. We believe in the invincibility of our bodies and the impossibility of infection. It is this mindset that has allowed Hepatitis B and other viruses to secure their survival and prevalence in the world. Hepatitis B is an inflammation of the liver caused by HBV, which is a double stranded DNA virus. The infection can lead to liver failure, cirrhosis, or hepatocellular carcinoma (Aspinall et al., 2011). HBV has been considered a “silent killer” because of its ability to hide undetected without causing symptoms to the infected persons. In the U.S., it has found sanctuary particularly within the Asian American populations. Exploring the epidemiology, prevention, management, and

One patient named David describes his experience with Hepatitis B, “I never knew I was living with Hepatitis B not until I went for an Airforce Interview and that was what screened me out of getting that Job. Then, I look at myself without any hope again. I had another 3 test after the one at AIRFORCE hospital May 2010 making it 4 times, and it all tested REACTIVE. I had no feeling of any symptoms except the feeling of tiredness from waking up in the morning and sometimes the two tissues of my leg used to ache me…” (medicinenet.com). David illustrates not only the economic consequences, but also the emotional impact that Hepatitis B has on many patients. Chronic HBV infection causes patients to feel constantly tired and sore. Treatments are not necessarily as linear or simplistic as it may seem. Patients must continually have check-ups with their physicians to ensure that their chronic condition is under control. Perhaps more detrimental is the feeling that they have no control of their