Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver spread through blood, unprotected sex, and from mother to baby at birth. Many people have no symptoms for years. In some people, especially those infected as babies, it becomes a long-term infection that can lead to liver scarring (cirrhosis) or liver cancer. A safe and effective vaccine is part of the routine childhood vaccines in Afghanistan.
Symptoms
Often no symptoms for many years
Tiredness and weakness
Yellow eyes and skin
Dark urine
Loss of appetite, nausea and belly pain
In late disease: swollen belly, swollen legs, vomiting blood
Causes
Hepatitis B virus in blood and body fluids
From an infected mother to her baby at birth
Reused or shared needles and syringes
Unsterile razors, dental or barber tools
Unprotected sex with an infected person
Unscreened blood transfusions
Prevention
Hepatitis B vaccine for all babies, starting at birth
Vaccination for adults at risk, including health workers
Talk to a doctor
Get advice by video, voice or chat without leaving home.
All pregnant women should be tested; babies of infected mothers need the vaccine, and sometimes immunoglobulin, right after birth
Use a new syringe for every injection
Do not share razors or toothbrushes
Only accept tested blood
Treatment
Blood tests to check the virus and liver health
Not everyone needs medicine; many people only need regular check-ups
When needed, long-term antiviral tablets prescribed by a specialist
Avoid alcohol and unnecessary medicines or herbal remedies
Vaccinate family members and your spouse
Do not start antiviral or other prescription medicines without a doctor
Common questions
Can I live a normal life with hepatitis B?
Yes. Most people with long-term hepatitis B live normal lives. Regular check-ups, avoiding alcohol and taking medicine when a doctor advises it help protect the liver.
Can hepatitis B spread by sharing food or hugging?
No. Hepatitis B does not spread through food, water, sharing plates, hugging or shaking hands. It spreads through blood, sex and from mother to baby.
