According to research, hepatitis b affects millions of people around the world. Every year, approximately 3,000 people in the United States and more than 600,000 people worldwide die of hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B is a deadly virus that causes damage to the liver. It is called Hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg) because it has proteins called antigens on its surface that cause your immune system to make antibodies; a high level of serum will be detected during acute or chronic hepatitis B virus infection. The definitive origin of the virus is unspecified.

Causes of hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The virus is passed from person to person through blood, semen, or other body fluids.

Symptoms of hepatitis B.

The symptoms of hepatitis B are varying which comprise;

• Yellowing of the eyes.

• Dark urine.

• Abdominal pain.

• Fatigue.
• Loss of appetite.
• Yellow skin.
• Web of swollen blood vessels.
• Liver failure.
• Occurrence of cancer.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.

Little children often have hepatitis B without any signs of the virus, but they can spread the disease to others.

How can hepatitis B be prevented?

• Avoid unprotected sex, it is more crucial to abstain from sex.
• Avoid the sharing of used sharp objects with an infected person.
• Avoid body fluids from an infected person coming in contact with your body because the virus can pass through the surface of the skin through the pores that is why the virus is called a surface antigen.
• The person taking care of the infected individual should practice good hygiene.

Can hepatitis B be treated?

It happens that the virus has no specific treatment, antiviral medication is given to help fight the virus and slow its ability to damage the liver, for chronic cases, a kidney transplant is required for a damaged liver.

The longer a hepatitis B infection is left untreated, the more susceptible you are to developing severe scarring of the liver (cirrhosis) and liver cancer.