Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Specialist Dr. Ersen Hürmüzlü gave important information about Hepatitis B, which is a DNA virus and one of the smallest viruses that can cause disease in humans. Stating that there are 240 people with Hepatitis B in the world and 2.5 million in our country, Dr. Hürmuzlü said that three out of every 10 people in our country encounter the Hepatitis B virus. He added that this rate varies according to geography and explained that 2 out of 100 people in the western regions carry Hepatitis B, and in some places in the Eastern and Southeastern regions, 7-8 out of 100 people carry Hepatitis B.
“IT IS TRANSMITTED THROUGH BLOOD AND BODY FLUID”
Stating that the hepatitis B virus is transmitted through blood or body fluids, Dr. Hürmüzlü said, “If blood or materials contaminated with the liquid part of blood enter the skin of another person, the disease can be transmitted. Since it is also found in body fluids, it can be transmitted through sexual contact. Since there is almost no virus in milk and saliva, it is not transmitted by kissing and breastfeeding. In people who live together in the same house for a long time, it is possible to be infected through skin cracks without being noticed. Because it has also been shown that transmission occurs from father to child or between siblings. “In regions where the disease is very common, transmission from mother to baby during birth is common,” he said.
“THE NEED TO BE CAREFUL AT THE BARBER, HAIRDRESSER AND DENTIST”
Pointing out that infections have decreased after vaccination in recent years, Dr. Hürmuzlü said the following about the modes of transmission: “Transmission from mother to baby is very common. It is common for many siblings in the same family to be sick. It is transmitted through sexual contact between partners. Attention should also be paid to the cleaning and disinfection of dentists’ surgical instruments. Not paying attention to the cleanliness of shaving, manicure and pedicure tools in barbershops and hairdressers is another way of contamination. Procedures such as tattooing, earrings, piercing, and acupuncture also create an environment for contamination. “In addition, this virus is transmitted more easily and quickly in places where people live together.”
“SEXUAL RELATIONSHIP WITH MANY PERSONS IS A REASON FOR RISK”
Dr. Hürmuzlü listed those at risk of Hepatitis B as follows: “Those who have a family member with Hepatitis B, those whose sexual partners are Hepatitis B positive, those who change partners frequently, those who use intravenous drugs/substances, those with AIDS, healthcare workers, and those who stay in prisons and nursing homes.”
Hürmuzlü added that even if there are no complaints, these people should be vaccinated by checking whether they have Hepatitis B or not. In addition, Dr. stated that pregnant women, blood, blood product, sperm, organ and tissue donors should also be vaccinated. Hürmuzlü emphasized that people with liver disease, patients undergoing chemotherapy or those using drugs that impair the immune system should be vaccinated.
“FOLLOW GENERAL HEALTH AND CLEANING MEASURES”
Dr. underlines that it is necessary to pay attention to general health and cleaning measures in order to be protected from Hepatitis B, like all infectious diseases. Hürmuzlü said, “Toothbrushes, razors and nail clippers should not be shared with others. Syringes should not be shared. A condom should be used in questionable sexual intercourse. If the blood of a sick person gets on something, the surfaces should be cleaned with bleach. But most importantly, Hepatitis B is a disease that can be prevented by vaccination,” he said.
“NEONBORN BABIES ARE VACCINATED”
Dr. also gave information about the Hepatitis B vaccine. Hürmüzlü: “It consists of protein that forms the outer sheath of the virus. The virus itself is not given, only a product of it is given. Therefore, it does not cause any symptoms resembling the disease. The vaccine is administered intramuscularly. Since the most common form of transmission in society is mother-to-child transmission or intrafamilial transmission in young children, it is recommended that babies be vaccinated as soon as they are born all over the world. “This principle has also been adopted in our country,” he said. He reminded that for full vaccination, the second and third vaccines should be given one month and six months after the first vaccine.
“UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS, VACCINE IS ENOUGH ONCE”
Dr. stated that the level of antibodies that show the protection of the vaccine in a vaccinated person decreases or even disappears over time. He underlined that even if the Ormuzd antibody disappears, a person who has been vaccinated once and has been vaccinated does not need to be vaccinated again for life. However, he added that if the person has a disease or medication that suppresses the immune system, they should be vaccinated again. He stated that there is no harm in using different brands of vaccines and that he can continue with another brand of vaccine after the first dose.
(UAV)