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Clinical Management of Chronic Hepatitis B
Infectious Hepatitis is an infectious disease caused by virus. The patient infected by viral which causes systematic illness, and the liver is particularly susceptible to damage. Hepatitis can be classified into hepatitis A, B, C, D, E and others. The most common types of infectious hepatitis in Hong Kong are hepatitis A, B and C. Non-infectious hepatitis may be caused by excessive alcohol intake or certain drugs.
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Hepatitis A is mainly caused by eating contaminated food, which may lead to fulminant hepatitis. In severe cases, it can lead to death. |
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The overall prevalence of Hepatitis B in Hong Kong is about 8%, 1 in 13 people are carriers of the virus. It is mainly transmitted by infected mothers at the time of delivery and infancy period. Other possible transmission routes include sexual contact or sharing syringes and daily necessities with hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers, transfusion of infected blood or blood products, ear piercing or tattooing with contaminated instruments.
Data show that approximately 25% to 40% of HBV carriers have long-term damage in the liver, leading to liver cirrhosis or cancer. Male HBV carriers who aged 40 or above, have smoking or drinking habits and close relatives suffering from liver disease are at high risk of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. |
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The transmission of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) includes transfusion of virus-carrying blood or blood products, sexual contact or sharing syringes with HCV carriers. HCV will increase the risk of getting cirrhosis or liver cancer for the virus carries. |
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The transmission route of Hepatitis D virus and HBV is similar and can lead to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. |
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Hepatitis E is mainly transmitted through contaminated drinking water, but it can also be transmitted through blood or body fluids. |
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Precautions for Hepatitis B Virus Carriers Besides having regular check-ups every six months to one year as instructed by the doctor, HBV carriers should pay attention to avoid spreading the virus. If you are bleeding, you should properly cover the wound and do not share toothbrushes, razors, nail clippers or syringes with others. You may not donate blood, get tattoos and ear piercing. Your family members and partners should receive blood tests and vaccinations as soon as possible, and always pay attention to personal health to protect yourselves and others! |
Examination
To maintain your health, it is recommended that you should undergo a hepatitis screening test to check whether you have been infected.
Prevention
If you are not infected and do not have hepatitis antibodies, you should get vaccinated. The hepatitis vaccine is safe and can effectively prevent infection. There are vaccines for hepatitis A and B.
Those who live with or have sexual contact with a virus carrier, have undergone dialysis treatment, frequently receive injections or blood transfusions, medical staff and so on, are at high risk of infection. They should be given a hepatitis vaccine to protect themselves.
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Vaccine |
No. of Doses |
Suggested Vaccine Injection Schedule |
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Hepatitis A |
2 doses |
Second injection: 6-12 months after the first injection |
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Hepatitis B |
2 doses |
Second injection: 1 month after the first injection Third injection: 5 months after the second injection |
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Hepatitis A&B |
3 doses |
Second injection: 1 month after the first injection Third injection: 5 months after the second injection |
| It is recommended to undergo a blood test to detect whether hepatitis antibodies are present and whether a vaccine is needed. You can choose to test for hepatitis A or B antibodies separately or test both antibodies simultaneously. |
Monitoring
Currently, drugs can effectively suppress hepatitis B virus replication. You are encouraged to have regular check-ups if you are Hepatitis Carrier. Through the checkup, the virus activity can be monitored and liver cirrhosis and liver cancer can be detected early. Medication can be started to suppress the virus to. It takes around four months for a liver tumour to grow to a detectable size by ultrasound.
For the details of Hepatitis B Regular Check-up Package, please click here.
