A couple of weeks back,
having just finished attending the Nigeria Leadership Summit by the Anabel
Leadership Academy. I rode back to the mainland from Lekki with my aunty who is
an International Health worker. As we drove down, she raise a topic that really
got my attention. Not only because of it importance but also because i recall i
had done a term paper on this topic while in the University. The topic was
Hepititis B. My aunty mentioned that a lot of people now go about it without
knowing until it knocks you off. Unfortunately and sadly this virus could kill
faster and silently than the HIV the virus that causes AIDS. But then what is
the Hepititis B? And what should you know about it?
Hepititis itself is the
inflammation of the lever due to poisions and toxic materials. There are 5
types of Hepatitis with 3 well known ones namely Hepatitis A, B and C.
Hepatitis B is commonly known as HBV.HBV is a chronic illness which occurs
through the replication of the virus in the liver. It spreads through the
blood, blood flids, in semen, virginal secretion and even saliva. Research
shows the one-third of the world population carry the virus. That is over 2
billion people and this illness takes 1 in 4 carrier’s life.
Among the many symptoms to
show the existence of the HBV, they include Mild fever, jaundice, vomiting,
pain in the abdomen, mental confusion, body aches, liver cirrhosis, and
ultimately liver failure. The mode of transmission includes vertical
transmission (mother to baby), blood transfusion, re-use of contaminated
needles, piercing instruments and syringes, unprotected sexual activities to
mention a few.
What then can be done to
avoid and prevent this deadly virus, among many things to be done is to get
vaccinated. This is especially important for children and youths. Avoidance of
unsafe sexual contact is another way to prevent HBV. And for those infected
already adequate rest, appropriate medication, liver transplant and good
feeding would be effective.
HBV infected people are
usually unaware and even routine liver function tests may come back normal.
Therefore, HBV can be a silent killer, striking without warning.
NOTE: The information in
this post is based on my personal research on the topic.
