Summary about Hepatitis B And C in English
Need a doctor? Marham brings a diverse range of the top hepatitis B and C doctors in Pakistan, where you can consult a doctor online.
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. It is usually caused by a viral infection that leads to liver damage. Hepatitis B and C are known as silent killers as they can infect people without showing any symptoms. They are blood-borne pathogens that can be transmitted through direct blood-to-blood contact with an infected person. Both diseases are serious and develop slowly over many years.
Hepatitis B
It is a serious liver infection that is mainly caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). According to sources, “ Two billion people have been infected and about 300 million people are living with a chronic hepatitis B infection. Each year up to 1 million people die from hepatitis B despite the fact that it is preventable and treatable.
Incubation Period: On average, the incubation period of the hepatitis B virus is 90 days. This virus can be detected 30 to 60 days after infection and persists for variable periods of time.
Diagnosis
Hepatitis B is diagnosed with a simple blood test available at your doctor's office or local health unit. Blood tests can determine whether a person has been infected and cleared of the virus, or currently infected, or has never been infected.
Who should get vaccinated against Hepatitis B?
All infants should be routinely vaccinated against hepatitis B at birth. The vaccine is also recommended for people living with someone infected with hepatitis B, travelers, and healthcare and public safety workers who are exposed to blood.
People with high-risk sexual behaviors, men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, and people with certain medical conditions, including diabetes, should talk to their doctor about getting vaccinated.
Hepatitis C
The hepatitis C virus usually spreads when someone comes into contact with blood from an infected person. You can consult online with a hepatitis c doctor in Pakistan. The possible causes of the virus include;
Sharing drug-injection equipment: Most people become infected with hepatitis C by sharing needles, syringes, or any other equipment used to prepare and inject drugs
Genetics: Approximately 10% of infants born to infected mothers get hepatitis C
Exposure: Although uncommon, people can become infected when healthcare professionals do not follow the proper steps needed to prevent the spread of bloodborne infections like changing the syringe, sterilizing the equipment, etc
Sexual contact with an infected person: Hepatitis C can spread during sex, though it has been reported more often among men who have sex with men
Sharing accessories: People can get infected by sharing glucose monitors, razors, nail clippers, toothbrushes, and other items that may have come into contact with infected blood
Blood transfusion and organ transplant: Hepatitis C can also be spread through blood transfusions and organ transplants.
Diagnosis
Hepatitis C is usually diagnosed with two blood tests;
An antibody test
A PCR test
Results are usually seen within 2 weeks.
Marham provides a platform for online or in-person consultation with the best hepatologists for the treatment of hepatitis B and C in Pakistan.