Your liver is incredibly resilient, but the Hepatitis B virus is one of its most formidable enemies. Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause both acute and chronic disease.
\n\nThe tricky part about Hepatitis B is that many people get infected and have no symptoms at all during the initial phase. They can unknowingly carry the virus for decades, while it slowly scars the liver (cirrhosis) and increases the risk of liver cancer.
\n\nHow is it Transmitted?
\n\nHepatitis B is highly infectious. It is transmitted through contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person. Common routes include:
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- Unprotected sexual contact \n
- Sharing needles or syringes \n
- From an infected mother to her baby during birth \n
- Use of unsterilized medical or dental equipment \n
The HBsAg Test
\n\nScreening is simple. The HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen) blood test can determine if you currently have a Hepatitis B infection. If the test is positive, your doctor will order further tests to see if the infection is acute or chronic.
\n\nA safe, effective vaccine exists for Hepatitis B. If your test is negative, speak to your doctor about getting vaccinated. Keep your liver safe by booking a comprehensive liver panel with BookMyPatho today.
