HEPATITIS B PREVENTION

HEPATITIS B PREVENTION

Hepatitis B is the most dangerous and common type of the Hepatitis Virus. It is the highest liver related killer disease in the World today. Take the following measures to protect and prevent yourself from contacting this deadly Virus because prevention is more effective in Hepatitis B than therapy.

i. Vaccination:

One good thing about the Hepatitis B Virus is the availability of vaccines for its prevention. There are two major vaccines used in the prevention of this deadly Virus. These are Engerix-B and Recombivax HB. Twinrix is also used for the prevention of the A and B types.

Vaccination is the most effective method for the prevention of Hepatitis B. HBV vaccines are
recommended for newborns, children, adolescents, adults, Health workers, persons who have multiple sex partners, travelers, those living with Hepatitis B patients, and people who use and inject IV drugs. The vaccines provide protection for up to 20 years, and are effective up to 95%. 

ii. Avoid unsafe Sex:

Avoidance of unsafe sex is another sound method of Hepatitis B prevention. Contact with infected blood and other body fluids such as semen, vaginal fluid and Saliva are the primary route through which Hepatitis B Virus is transmitted.

Unprotected sexual contact can put you at great risk of contacting this dangerous Virus. People who have multiple sex partners, men who have sex with men, and sexual partners of infected persons are easily infected by Hepatitis B Virus. Always practice safe sex for the prevention of the Hepatitis B Virus.

See also: My Encounter and Victory Over Hepatitis B

iii. Avoid Sharing of Sharp Objects or Body Piercing Tools:
Prevention of Hepatitis B infection can also be achieved by avoiding the sharing of sharp objects such as syringe, needles, razors, toothbrush and other body piercing tools. People who use intravenous illicit drugs are at great risks. It is recommended to use sterile sharp objects and desist from sharing any type of sharp body objects, tools and equipment to prevent yourself from contacting Hepatitis B Virus.

iv. Avoid Unscreened Blood Transfusion:
The use of unscreened blood exposes you to the risk of contacting the Hepatitis B Virus. As stated earlier, contact with infected blood is the Highway to contacting the Virus. If you receive blood during transfusion that contains HBV, you are very likely to develop this deadly Virus. Always use and advocate the use of screened and tested blood for transfusion to prevent the spread of the deadly Hepatitis B.
This Virus is the chief destroyer of the human liver in the World today. Protect yourself and help prevent its spread.

See Also: Herbal Cure for Hepatitis B

v. Avoid the Use of Unsterilized Medical and Dental Equipment:
Shunning the use of unsterilized medical tools is a great way to prevent Hepatitis B. The use of medical or dental intervention equipment and tools without proper sterilization may lead to contacting Hepatitis B. To prevent this deadly occurrence, medical tools must be properly and adequately sterilized before and after use.
The Hepatitis B Virus can live outside the body for days; and as such, every efforts must be made to properly clean up and sterilize all tools that come in contact with blood.

vi. Prevention of Mother to Child Hepatitis B Transmission:
Transmission of Hepatitis B Virus from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth and post birth is very common. Women who are exposed to HBV environment should endeavor to take HBV vaccine before pregnancy. Unvaccinated pregnant women should be vaccinated by medical experts.

A new baby should be given HBV vaccine within 12 hours of birth because Hepatitis B Virus are detectable in breast milk and colostrum.

Furthermore, bathing newborn infants with mild medicated soap solutions to remove HBV contaminated blood can minimize the risk of after birth infection.
All efforts must be made by all stakeholders to prevent Hepatitis B transmission from mother to child to reduce the alarming rate the Virus is spreading in the World today.