Slum and Rural Health Initiative

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WHAT IS NOT KNOWN ABOUT HEPATITIS B

Prevalence of Hepatitis B among Health worker

Furthermore, it is estimated that 40% of healthcare workers (HCWs) are infected with HBV infections in developing countries. Healthcare workers are four times more likely to be infected with HBV compared to the general population. This may be due to a lack of compliance with infection control recommendations from established guidelines such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Handwashing, glove use, and correct disposal of sharp instruments are all part of the CDC’s recommended precaution, which is aimed to prevent the spread of blood-borne infections like HBV. In the case of HBV infection, knowledge includes information gathering, experience, skill, and disease prevention strategies.

Knowledge about Hepatitis B

According to various research, it was discovered that a lot of the educated population with at least secondary school experience have little knowledge about Hepatitis B but those with higher education have more insight into Hepatitis B but those without formal learning (school experience) don’t have any knowledge about Hepatitis B, it has been transmitted more amongst them especially mother to child and through sexual means. Most of them don’t know their Hepatitis B status.

Lifespan of the Hepatitis B Virus

HBV is transmitted by perinatal, percutaneous, and sexual exposure, as well as by close person-to-person contact presumably by open cuts and sores, especially among children in hyperendemic areas. HBV can survive outside the body for prolonged periods, and carriers who are HBeAg positive can shed large quantities of viral particles on environmental surfaces through open cuts or sores. The risk of developing chronic HBV infection after acute exposure ranges from 90% in newborns of HBeAg-positive mothers to 25% to 30% in infants and children under 5 and less than 10% in adults.22-26 In addition, immunosuppressed persons are more likely to develop chronic HBV infection after acute infection according to research.

The Use of Herbal Remedies and Supplements 

Many people are interested in using herbal remedies or supplements to boost their immune systems and help their livers. The problem though is that there is no regulation of companies manufacturing these products, which means there is no rigorous testing for safety or purity. So, the quality of the herbal remedy or vitamin supplement may be different from bottle to bottle. Also, some herbal remedies could interfere with your prescription drugs for hepatitis B or other conditions; some can even actually damage your liver.

There are many companies that make false promises on the Internet and through social media about their products. Online claims and patient testimonials on Facebook are fake and are used to trick people into buying expensive herbal remedies and supplements. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, then it’s probably not true.

 

Below are reliable sources of information about herbs and alternative medicines. This information is based on scientific evidence, not false promises. Check whether the active ingredients in your herbal remedies or supplements are real and if it is safe for your liver. The most important thing is to protect your liver from any additional injury or harm according to U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH).

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