Analysis Depth Study – Analysis Hepatitis B – Hepatitis Australia (Rochelle Collins)

Resource Description

Summary ~ Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus. In the liver, the virus attaches to healthy liver cells and multiplies which triggers a response from the body’s immune system. This infection can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer or liver failure. HBV is considered to be ‘acute’ during the first 6 months after infection, then it is considered to be ‘chronic’. In 2015 257 million people have been infected and 887 000 died as a result of HBV worldwide, most of who became infected during childhood. Deaths from primary liver cancer have been rising, untreated chronic hepatitis B a major contributor. Hepatitis B is found in bodily fluids. The most common way HBV is spread include sexual contact, sharing needles, unsterilized needles etc. It is not spread through casual contact or contaminated water. To avoid transmission get vaccinated, use condoms, use new and sterile medical equipment, avoid blood to blood contact, etc. People who have been exposed to the hepatitis B virus should receive hepatitis B immunoglobulin.