At present infants are given five-in-one jab at the age of two months to protect against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio and Hib. But now health experts are thinking to add a vaccine of hepatitis B to this. Every year millions of people are diagnosed with hepatitis B virus, which can cause liver cancer. Here Dr Ellie Cannon explains why parents should greet the move.
Hepatitis is thought to be one hundred percent more infectious than the HIV virus. If pregnant women have hepatitis B then odds of passing it to their unborn babies are high. In adults the virus is contracted through infected blood or sexual contact. The vaccine is already used in many parts of Europe, Australia and USA. Protecting baby in childhood is sensible way to lower infection rates.
Health problems caused by hepatitis B: It causes damage to the liver and in most cases this result in severe infections where sufferers become weak, have flu-like symptoms and become jaundiced. These symptoms last for few months after which majority of people will clear the virus and no longer will be infectious. However, small percentage of people will go on to have chronic liver problems including cirrhosis and cancer.
Treatment for hepatitis B: There is no cure for the condition so its prevention is so crucial. When someone has chronic hepatitis B then medication is used to prevent further liver damage. All chronic patients of hepatitis B should be supervised by liver specialist and should be treated with immune and anti-viral drugs.
When to vaccinate babies: The actual time for infant’s vaccination has not been decided yet. In several countries the vaccine is given to babies at two and fourth months, when babies are having their other vaccinations. It can also be provided as a separate vaccine prior to babies having one.
How to find for carrier: The health care provider or sexual health clinic can arrange a blood test. These are very accurate way to show if you have ever been infected, if you are immune and if you are carrier of the virus. If someone found to have hepatitis B then he will be offered an ultrasound scan to further review condition of the liver.