Hepatitis affects millions of people worldwide, with many unaware of their infection. By raising awareness and increasing access to healthcare services, we can work towards eliminating this preventable disease.
Hepatitis claims more than a million lives each year, despite the fact that it is preventable and treatable. Hepatitis B is a "silent epidemic" because most people do not have symptoms when they are newly infected or chronically infected.
Thus, they can unknowingly spread the virus to others and continue the silent spread of hepatitis B. For people who are chronically infected but don’t have any symptoms, their liver is still being silently damaged, which can develop into serious liver disease such as cirrhosis or liver cancer.
Hepatitis B is transmitted through direct contact with infected blood or certain bodily fluids. The virus is most commonly transmitted from an infected pregnant woman to their baby during childbirth due to the blood exchange that happens between mother and baby. It is also transmitted through unsterile medical or dental equipment, unprotected sex, or unsterile needles, or by sharing personal items such as razors, toothbrushes, nail clippers, or body jewellery.
The good news is that hepatitis B is preventable and treatable. Contact us today for a consultation on any of the following options with regards to hepatitis:
• A simple blood test to diagnose a hepatitis B infection. Testing is the only way to know for sure if you are infected.
• A safe vaccine to prevent hepatitis B.
• Effective drug therapies that can manage a chronic hepatitis B infection.
