Hepatitis is the name of a group of viral infections. In medical terminology, Hepatitis, stands for inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis B (HBV) is a contagious virus that causes infection of the liver. The severity of this infection ranges from mild to severe. HBV is a serious condition that could affect people of all ages. If left untreated the disease could be fatal. Acute HBV lasts less than six months. The immune system will likely fight off the virus and will become immune to the virus. Complete recovery should occur within a few months. The acute HBV infection could lead to the chronic infection. Chronic HBV occurs when the body’s immune system can’t fight off the acute form of the virus. This form of HBV lasts longer than six months …show more content…
Approximately 240 million people are infected and 786,000 deaths happen each year because of the virus. Most people infected with HBV worldwide were infected at birth or childhood. CDC
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The likelihood of HBV turning into the chronic form depends on the age of the person infected. 90% of newborns/infants will develop the chronic form. Children between ages 1-5 years old have a 25%-50% chance of the virus turning into the chronic form. Children over the age of 5 and adults only have a 6%-10% chance of the virus turning chronic. CDC HBV can survive at least 7 days outside of the body. During this time the virus can still cause infection. The best form of prevention of HBV is the vaccine. The vaccine is given as a series of 3 to 4 injections over a six month period. The vaccine is recommended for newborns, children, anyone who is sexually active, health care workers, someone who has chronic liver disease, and anyone living with someone who has the virus. It is important for people to be vaccinated against HBV to avoid the spreading of this
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Injection of immune globulin may provide protection against HBV if given within 12 hours of contact. Treatment for someone with acute Hepatitis B may not need any treatment because many times the infection can go away on its own. Chronic infection treatment will include reducing the risk of damage to the liver and preventing the spread of the infection. Antiviral medications will be given to help fight the virus and slow it down. Interferon alfa-2b which is a synthetic substance used for young people with HBV and who do not want to go through long-term treatments or who want to become pregnant. Liver transplant is another form of treatment for chronic Hepatitis B of someone who has a severely damaged liver.