Dr. Joseph Chandia, a surgeon at Weza Care Hospital Kampala has warned against the use of herbs to treat hepatitis, as it can damage the liver.

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver cells in response to intruders by one’s white blood cells, leading to reddening and swelling of the liver cells.

The viruses causing Hepatitis are classified into five types: A, B, C, D, and E, where B and C also cause chronic disease.

Dr. Chandia says Hepatitis B is a serious Liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). For most people, HBV infection is short-term, also called acute, and lasts less than 6 months, but for other people, the infection becomes chronic, meaning it lasts more than 6 months.

“Having chronic HBV can lead to serious complications like extensive liver scarring (Cirrhosis), which may impair the liver’s ability to function. People with this condition have a high risk of liver cancer. Acute liver failure is a condition in which vital functions of the liver shut down; a liver transplant may be necessary to stay alive,” said Dr. Chandia.

How is Hepatitis B transmitted?

Dr. Chandia revealed that the virus is passed through blood, semen, or other body fluids. It does not spread by sneezing or coughing.

Dr. Chandia shares ways in which HBV can spread.

HBV can spread through sexual contact once one gets unprotected sex with someone who is infected with the HB Virus, and the virus can be passed if the sick person’s blood, saliva, semen, or vaginal secretions enter your body.

It can spread through sharing needles and syringes contaminated with infected blood; sharing IV drug paraphernalia puts one at high risk of Hepatitis B; and accidental needle pricks are a concern for health care workers and anyone else who comes in contact with the blood.

Mother-to-child: pregnant women infected with HBV can pass the virus to their babies during childbirth.

What are the symptoms of HBV?

Fatigue or easy tiredness, Nausea, Yellowing of the white eye and skin (a medical condition called jaundice), poor appetite, vomiting, Diarrhea, Abdominal pain, Joint pains, Headaches, fever, skin rash, itchy skin

When to seek medical attention?

If you have symptoms of hepatitis, contact your health worker.

The doctor advises that, if you know you have been exposed to Hepatitis B, contact your health provider immediately. A preventative treatment may reduce your risk of infection if it is administered within 24 hours of exposure to the virus.

How it can be treated

Dr. Chandia shares that there is no cure if you have the condition; however, certain anti-viral drugs will be given to slow the replication of the virus and prevent organ damage.

A preventative treatment is given to newly born babies of infected mothers and anyone exposed to the virus as long as it’s received within 72 hours of exposure.

How to prevent the spread of HBV

According to Dr. Chandia, hepatitis B vaccination is the best option available to prevent the spread of Hepatitis B. The vaccine is typically given as three injections over six months.

“You can’t get Hepatitis B from the vaccine,” said Dr. Chandia.

In all cases, the newborn can be vaccinated to avoid getting infected. It is very important that you talk to your health provider about testing positive for Hepatitis B when planning to get pregnant or when pregnant.

Most importantly, know the status of your sexual partner; don’t engage in unprotected sex unless you are absolutely certain that your partner is not infected with HBV or any sexually transmitted disease.

Another way is to use a latex or polyurethane condom every time you have sex if you don’t know the status of your partner.

Never share needles; be cautious about piercing and tattooing; if you get a piercing or tattoo, look for a reputable shop; ask about how the equipment is cleaned.

There is no specific diet for people with HBV; however, infected people can avoid alcohol and herbs that further damage the liver.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), In Uganda, about 1,9 million people are infected with Hepatitis B, and about 355 Million people globally are living with chronic infections.