Chronic Lasting infection A chronic hepatitis B infection is when the infection lasts for longer than six months. Of those people who develop chronic hepatitis B infection: 30-35% develops persistent liver inflammation (sometimes called 'chronic active hepatitis B'). Symptoms include: muscle aches, tiredness, feeling sick, lack of appetite, intolerance of alcohol, pains over the liver, jaundice and depression. Symptoms vary in severity and some people have liver inflammation without having any symptoms. 20-30% develops cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is like a 'scarring' of the which can cause serious problems and 'liver failure' when it is severe. Cirrhosis usually takes many years to develop after being infected with hepatitis B 10-15% dies from liver cancer or liver failure after 20-50 years. How is hepatitis B diagnosed and assessed? Do arrange insurances and finances before a test. A simple test can detect if you are infected with the hepatitis B virus. If infected, other tests may be advised to check on the severity of infection, liver inflammation and damage to the liver. For example: A blood test can detect various parts of the virus. This can assess how active the virus is (if it is multiplying rapidly and therefore more likely to cause liver damage). tests called liver function tests. These measure the activity of enzymes (chemicals) and other substances made in the liver. This gives a general guide as to whether the liver is inflamed, and how well it is working. An ultrasound scan of the liver is recommended. A biopsy (optional) of the liver may be taken to look at under the microscope. This can show the extent of any inflammation and cirrhosis. A blood test can also be performed to show if you have immunity to hepatitis B. Other tests may be done if cirrhosis or other complications develop. There are other tests which assess the development and severity of cirrhosis. Just Diagnosed? Unfortunately in the UK, GP’s, are poorly equipped for Hepatitis discussions. No literature, no maps, no test risk posters, have been given them. GP’s often look on the Virus as a kind of Junkie & Sex Disease, as per the guidance and leaflets they have. So patients get partial or injecting” advice and fail to contact experienced help lines or get important referrals to “safe a Liver Specialist. So here is further advice from patients who’ve experienced being diagnosed and adjusting.
Chronic Lasting infection A chronic hepatitis B infection is when the infection lasts for longer than six months. Of those people who develop chronic hepatitis B infection: 30-35% develops persistent liver inflammation (sometimes called 'chronic active hepatitis B'). Symptoms include: muscle aches, tiredness, feeling sick, lack of appetite, intolerance of alcohol, pains over the liver, jaundice and depression. Symptoms vary in severity and some people have liver inflammation without having any symptoms. 20-30% develops cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is like a 'scarring' of the which can cause serious problems and 'liver failure' when it is severe. Cirrhosis usually takes many years to develop after being infected with hepatitis B 10-15% dies from liver cancer or liver failure after 20-50 years. How is hepatitis B diagnosed and assessed? Do arrange insurances and finances before a test. A simple test can detect if you are infected with the hepatitis B virus. If infected, other tests may be advised to check on the severity of infection, liver inflammation and damage to the liver. For example: A blood test can detect various parts of the virus. This can assess how active the virus is (if it is multiplying rapidly and therefore more likely to cause liver damage). tests called liver function tests. These measure the activity of enzymes (chemicals) and other substances made in the liver. This gives a general guide as to whether the liver is inflamed, and how well it is working. An ultrasound scan of the liver is recommended. A biopsy (optional) of the liver may be taken to look at under the microscope. This can show the extent of any inflammation and cirrhosis. A blood test can also be performed to show if you have immunity to hepatitis B. Other tests may be done if cirrhosis or other complications develop. There are other tests which assess the development and severity of cirrhosis. Just Diagnosed? Unfortunately in the UK, GP’s, are poorly equipped for Hepatitis discussions. No literature, no maps, no test risk posters, have been given them. GP’s often look on the Virus as a kind of Junkie & Sex Disease, as per the guidance and leaflets they have. So patients get partial or “safe injecting” advice and fail to contact experienced help lines or get important referrals to a Liver Specialist. So here is further advice from patients who’ve experienced being diagnosed and adjusting.
The%20Hairdressing%20Industry%20and%20Hepatitis%20B.docx