Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) or Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) - Hepatitis B

Viral infection of the liver caused by Hepatitis B virus (HBV).

• Spread through contaminated syringes/needles, unsafe blood transfusion, sexual contact, and from infected mother to baby.
• Can occur at any age; may persist for years and lead to chronic liver disease.

Symptoms:

Fever, headache, joint pain, nausea, vomiting, skin rashes, jaundice (yellow skin/eyes), dark urine, and pale stools.

Complications (if untreated):

Chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis (liver scarring), hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer), and in severe cases, liver failure.

Prevention:

Vaccination against HBV, use of sterile needles, safe blood transfusion screening, safe sexual practices, and strict hygiene when handling infected materials.

Treatment:

• No complete cure; it is managed with bed rest, high-calorie diet (limited fat and protein), medical supervision, and antiviral therapy where applicable.
• Early vaccination prevents infection.