Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a blood-borne virus that causes inflammation in the liver. Approximately 300 million people worldwide are chronic Hepatitis B carriers.
The disease can have an acute or chronic course. Acute Hepatitis B presents with symptoms such as jaundice, dark urine, extreme fatigue, nausea, and abdominal pain. Chronic Hepatitis B can progress without symptoms and increases the risk of cirrhosis or liver cancer.
Antiviral medications are used in treatment. Regular follow-up of chronic Hepatitis B patients is extremely important. It is possible to protect against the disease with the Hepatitis B vaccine. The vaccine is administered in three doses and provides a high level of protection.