Hepatitis B is a viral disease caused by the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) that causes inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis B, which can be transmitted through blood, contact and sexual means, can progress without symptoms for a long time, but in advanced stages it can also cause a severe condition resulting in liver cancer and cirrhosis. The incidence of Hepatitis B in Turkey is around 4 percent. This rate corresponds to approximately 3.5 million. Infectious Diseases Specialist Specialist. Dr. Mehmet Karabay stated that Hepatitis B threatens public health and precautions must be taken.
Cirrhosis; It is in the group of diseases that cannot be treated.
Hepatitis B carrier is a disease that is not innocent. As a result of being a carrier, the person either develops cirrhosis or, since the hepatitis B virus is a carcinogenic virus, patients develop cancer without cirrhosis. 25 percent of patients with cirrhosis progress to cancer. This virus, which is most commonly transmitted through blood, can also be transmitted through saliva, sexual intercourse, cervical secretions and leukocytes. Especially in the acute phase of the disease, contagiousness increases if the mucosa is exposed to parenteral or infected blood.
Attention! Hepatitis B is Transmitted Only from Person to Person through Contact with Infected Body Fluids.
HBV can be transmitted in three main ways: during birth, sexually, and through blood. Among these, the transmission route during birth occurs in epidemic areas where the transmission rate is high. Another route responsible for HBV transmission is "horizontal transmission". This path, which we encounter especially in early childhood, is defined as non-sexual close contact. In recent years, the acquisition of HBV through health practices has become very common. This route, known as nosocomial transmission, is a significant risk for both patients and hospital staff.
Infectious Diseases Specialist. Dr. Karabay “Sexual Transmission; The presence of HBV in body fluids such as saliva and semen, as well as blood, has shown that this route may also play a role in transmission. Genital secretions cause transmission even though they contain virus in lower concentrations than blood. I don't get infected this way. a It is more common in areas where HBV is low or moderate endemic. Homosexual intercourse is the riskiest transmission route for HBV. Contamination occurs with infected blood and semen, especially due to trauma to the rectal mucosa. "In order to prevent sexual transmission of HBV, practices such as vaccination of monogamous couples and the use of condoms in polygamy are recommended." he said.
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When it comes to parenteral transmission of HBV, intravenous drug addicts, transfusion and dialysis, acupuncture, health care practices, tattoo. It refers to contamination that occurs during procedures such as manicure/pedicure. It should be known and caution should be taken that HBV can be transmitted during tattooing, piercing, manicure/pedicure and shaving (in unhygienic barbers) during travels, and it should not be forgotten that it can also be transmitted through commonly used cleaning materials (towels, nail clippers, etc.). It is very difficult to predict whether it is transmitted through common food items.
Who Should Be Examined for Possible Hepatitis B Infection?
- First degree relatives of people with hepatitis (even if they do not live in the same house)
- Those who live in the same house with the person with hepatitis,
- Those who have sexual contact with people with hepatitis,
- People who have the habit of using intravenous drugs,
- Those who have had tattoos and piercings
- Those who have a history of blood brotherhood
- Those who have a history of forehead, sublingual or nape cutting
- Those who come from areas where HBV is highly endemic and immigrants
- Those who have multiple sexual partners and a history of sexually transmitted diseases,
- Homosexuals,
- People living in prisons and caregivers,
- People with chronic elevation of liver enzymes,
- People infected with HCV or HIV,
- Dialysis patients,
- All pregnant women,
- Those who frequently receive blood and blood products,
- Those who undergo risky dental treatment
- Professionals who frequently come into contact with blood and blood products due to their profession
- Those who live in care and nursing homes, Those with mental and developmental disabilities and those who care for them
- Blood, plasma, sperm, organ and tissue donors
People with immune deficiency or long-term immunosuppressive treatment those who see the hunt
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