After learning about Hepatitis A in the previous article, it is time to shift to the next letter of the alphabet B. Hepatitis B is another severe infection that may require different treatment from Hep A. Read on to learn more about the difference and the type of treatment for Hep B
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver. An infection can be short-term or lead to a lifelong chronic infection resulting in liver scarring (cirrhosis) or liver cancer. It is commonly spread by blood and other bodily fluids.
What are the symptoms:
- More than half of those infected do not exhibit symptoms, mostly children.
What is the risk of my child contracting Hep B?
- About 1 million to 2 million people in the United States are chronically infected
How does the vaccine work?
- Children receive three doses beginning with a dose no more than 12 hours after birth.
- The vaccine is long-lasting and studies have shown one does not need a booster shot.
Why should newborns get a hepatitis B vaccine?
- Before a hepatitis B vaccine was available, each year about 18,000 children were infected with Hep B during the first 10 years of life.
If you or a loved one is not currently vaccinated, but are interested in learning more contact your physician.
