Hepatitis B is a potentially life-threatening liver infection which is caused by the virus called Hepatitis B (HBV). It is one of the major causes of liver cancer and liver cirrhosis which puts people at high risk of death. WHO estimates that approximately 257 million people are living with chronic hepatitis B infection and approximately 1.5 million cases are recorded in Nigeria per year. Hepatitis B is spread from mother to child at birth or through infected blood.
It is also spread by needle-stick injury, drug abuse using needles, tattooing, exposure to infected blood and bodily fluids such as saliva, menstrual, vaginal and seminal fluids. Sexual transmission of hepatitis B occurs in both heterosexual and homosexual persons. What makes hepatitis scarier is it can survive outside the body for at least 7 days. Most people don’t experience symptoms at the early stage but common symptoms include yellowing of skin and eyes, dark urine, extreme fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain. Confirmation of hepatitis is done via a number of laboratory tests which include HBsAg, HBcAg, HBeAg. There is no current and specific treatment for acute hepatitis B but chronic hepatitis can be treated with oral antiviral medications which help to slow down the progression and reduce liver cancer incidence. However, care should be given to maintain comfort, replace fluids lost from vomiting and diarrhoea, avoiding unnecessary use of paracetamol.
Prevention of hepatitis is possible only by taking the hepatitis B vaccine. WHO recommends all infants receive the hepatitis B vaccine at birth.
Prevention of hepatitis is possible only by taking the hepatitis B vaccine. WHO recommends all infants receive the hepatitis B vaccine at birth. Older adults are also advised to take the hepatitis B vaccine when tested negative.
All tests for hepatitis are done at E-clinic and diagnostics and the best part is HEPATITIS B VACCINATION IS AVAILABLE at our facility. Visit us at
No 3 Agadez Street off Aminu Kano crescent wuse 2 Abuja.