Hepatitis B more dangerous, infectious than HIV – Experts warn

According to medical experts, Hepatitis B is far more dangerous and infectious than the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), as it causes liver damage, liver cancer and even death.

According to the World Health Organisation, Hepatitis B is a liver disease caused by the HBV virus, and it interferes with the functions of the liver, causing pathological damage.

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The experts said, though Hepatitis B has no cure, Nigerians should get vaccinated as a form of protection against the virus.

The WHO noted that a small percentage of infected people cannot get rid of the virus and go on to become chronically infected, adding that such people are at higher risk of death from cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer.

The global health body said the virus is most commonly transmitted from mother to child during delivery, in early childhood, contact with blood or other bodily fluids during sex with an infected partner, unsafe injections or exposures to sharp instruments.

The WHO estimates that 296 million people were living with chronic Hepatitis B infection in 2019, with 1.5 million new infections recorded each year.

“In 2019, Hepatitis B resulted in an estimated 820, 000 deaths, mostly from cirrhosis and liver cancer.

“Hepatitis B can be prevented by vaccines that are safe, available and effective,” WHO added.

“The vaccine is usually given soon after birth with boosters a few weeks later. It offers nearly 100% protection against the virus.

“Hepatitis B is a major global health problem. The burden of infection is highest in the WHO Western Pacific Region and the WHO African Region, where 116 million and 81 million people, respectively, are chronically infected.

“Sixty million people are infected in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region, 18 million in the WHO South-East Asia Region, 14 million in the WHO European Region and five million in the WHO Region of the Americas.”

Medical experts have advised Nigerians to avoid sharing razors, toothbrushes and to practice safe sex to avoid getting infected with the Hepatitis B Virus.