Hepatitis B Flashcards
1
Q
What is Hepatitis B?
A
A viral infection that attacks the liver that causes both acute & chronic disease.
2
Q
Causative Agent
A
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)
3
Q
MOT
A
- sexual contact
- sharing of needles
- accidental needle sticks
- mother to child
- can be passed through body fluids
- not by sneezing/coughing
4
Q
S&S
A
1-4 mos after infected
- abdominal pain
- dark urine
- fever
- joint pain
- loss of appetite
- nausea & vomiting
- weakness & fatigue
- jaundice
5
Q
Acute Hepatitis B infection
A
- Last less than 6 mos
- ur immune system can clear HB
- can lead to chronic HB infection
6
Q
Chronic Hepatitis B Infection
A
- lasts 6 mos or longer
- if immune system can’t fight infection, it may last a lifetime
- leading to cirrhosis & liver cancer
- young are susceptible to this (newborn & younger than 5y.o)
- may be undetected for decades until seriously ill from liver disease
7
Q
Treatments (Acute Hb Infection)
A
- cannot be treated w antiviral drugs
- vomiting (IV fluids)
- mild symptoms may be care for at home
8
Q
Treatments (Chronic Hb Infection)
A
- antiviral medications (Epivir, Hepsera, Tyzeka, Baraclude)
- interferon injections (intron a)
- liver transplant
9
Q
P & C
A
- vaccination of HBV vaccine (series of 3 injections for 6 months)
- immunization
- awareness
- screening of blood & blood products
