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March 9th, 2011 
asilonline What is hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by a virus. The hepatitis B virus infects the liver.
Half of people with hepatitis B feel not all sick. They can still transmit the disease to others. Some become carriers and carry the virus in the blood and other fluids such as semen) until the end of their lives.
In other cases, hepatitis B makes very sick people. These people are fever, are tired, lose appetite and make jaundice (their eyes and their skin becomes yellow). The disease can last for weeks or months. Most people recover and are immunized (protected) for life. Some become carriers. More is young at the time of infection, the more the infection may be present for life.
Carriers can transmit the virus to others and are at great risk of cirrhosis, liver failure (of the disease of the liver and liver cancer. Some carriers require a liver transplant, and others die from liver disease.
There is no cure for hepatitis B, but treatment can sometimes reduce the amount of virus in the blood and organic secretions. They may also prevent some of the other problems caused by the disease.
Hepatitis B is common?
In General, there are less than 1 000 new infections per year. Most cases are caused by the sharing of needles or sex with a carrier. Previously, many babies were born with hepatitis B, but is more frequently. Pregnant women undergo a screening test to check if they have the disease. Babies whose mother is reached receive vaccine and immunoglobulin against hepatitis B (an injection containing a large amount of antibodies) shortly after their birth.
In other parts of the world, hepatitis B is more common to the Canada and still infects many babies. If you go in China, Southeast Asia or in some parts of Africa, you may run a higher risk, especially if you have sexual relations with the people, if you inject drugs or if you need a blood transfusion.
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