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HEPATITIS -
B VACCINE
What is
Hepatitis ?
Hepatitis is the scientific word for the
more commonly known word Jaundice. This involves infection , swelling
and inflammation in the Liver. Till date medical science has
discovered 5 viruses that cause Hepatitis - A , B , C , D and E. More
research is underway and more viruses are likely to be discovered.
How does it
spread ?
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- Blood Contact : ( infected blood ) :
contaminated needles ( hence the absolute necessity of
disposable syringes and needles), blades of hair dressers, drug
addicts using the same needle over and again situations and
diseases where blood transfusion is taken ( and happens to be
contaminated) : esp diseases like Hemophilia , Thalassemia where
blood is transfused frequently
- Sexual Contact
- Vertical Transmission ( from mother to
child ) : an infected mother can transmit this virus right
during delivery and the newborn may get infected right at birth.
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What
are the lethal features of this virus ?
Hepatitis B infection has some special
and lethal features :
- This infection is peculiar in that very often
it does not manifest as a jaundice and the affected individual (
knows as a Hepatitis B Carrier ) does not go to seek medical advice.
The virus , however , progressively spreads within the liver and
slowly erodes the liver cells. Alarmingly high rates of progression
to Liver Cirrhosis ( scarring and shrinking of the liver ) and Liver
Cancer are a consequence.
- A Carrier does not know that he is carrying
the virus and unknowingly transmits it to persons whom he comes in
contact with ( in the modes of transmission mentioned above).
Precautions
against Hepatitis - B :
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- Insist on disposable syringe - needles.
Use the best quality available
- In case you need a blood transfusion -
make sure the blood is tested HBV negative. All blood banks are
directed to do this test before releasing the blood for
transfusion
- In case your barber / hair dresser is
using a razor - make sure he changes the blade.
- Safe sexual practices
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