Subject: Population Health, Epidemiology, & Statistical Principles (NR503)

Introduction

Hepatitis B is a communicable disease that infects the individual’s liver and if not treated it can lead to liver failure, scarring of the organ, cancer or can also be fatal. Hepatitis B is spread when people come in contact with open sores, the blood and body fluids of a person that has the Hepatitis B virus. Even though the disease is serious, when one gets it as an adult it may not last (Davis, 2020). The body has its natural way of fighting it off within a few months and one becomes immune from that moment henceforth. This also means that the individual may not be able to get it again, but when one gets it at birth, it is unlikely that it might not go away. 

Among the symptoms that one will experience when they are first infected will be light colored poop, the whites of the eyes turn yellow, fever, fatigue which continues for months or weeks and belly pain. In any case, these symptoms may not show up until 1 to 6 months after which the individual is reported to carry the virus (Davis, 2020).  The most unique aspect of the condition is that one may not feel anything, but will only discover that they have it through a blood test. 

In general aspects, hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus. People usually get it through various forms that include sex, where one gets it when they have unprotected sex with a person that has it, or through the partner’s saliva, blood, semen and vaginal secretions that enter the body. Also through sharing of needs, where the virus is going to easily spread through syringes and needs that are contaminated with infected blood (Davis, 2020). One can also get through accidental needs sticks, which is especially common among nurse and other healthcare workers that come in contact with human blood. Also, hepatitis B can be transmitted from the mother to her child during child birth. However there is a vaccine that can be used to prevent mother to child transmission. 

When it comes to diagnosis, the first step is to conduct a physical exam where the individual will be taken through the blood test to see if there is inflammation on the liver or if they have hepatitis B symptoms or there is high level of liver enzymes.  Through this, one will be screened for two things; first is Hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody (HBsAg), where antigens on the hepatitis B virus will be screened.  These are proteins made by the individual immune cells, they often show up in the person’s blood between 1 and 10 weeks after being exposed.  When one recovers, they are going to go away after 4 to 6 months, however in the event that they are still there after 6 months, the condition can reported as chronic. Second screening is for Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) which show up after HBsAg is disappeared; they are the ones that make the individual get immune to hepatitis B for the rest of their lives (Davis, 2020).   However  if one becomes chronic of the disease, then the next diagnosis will entail taking a sample from the liver also known as a biopsy to understand the severity and treatment plan. 

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Basically, treatment of hepatitis B in the United States will depend on the severity of the condition.  In most cases, doctors will give the individual a vaccine and a shot of hepatitis B immune globulin. This is a protein that is supposed to boost the individual immune system and enable them fight off the infection. For this with chronic active hepatitis B, there are several medication that will be prescribed. One is Entecavir (Baraclude) which is among the newest drug for Hepatitis B and it comes in form of a tablet or liquid, there is also Tenovir (Viread) that comes as a powder or tablet; it is also important to ensure that it does not harm the kidney. Lamivudine (EpivirA/F, 3tc/HBV. Heptovir) is also another drug which comes as liquid or table, adefovir dipivoxil (Hepsera) which also comes as a tablet though in moderation to avoid kidney problems and Interferon alfa (intron A, Sylatron, Roferon A) that is meant to boost the patient immunity (Davis, 2020). A shot is taken in 6 months, and though does not cure the disease, it is required in treating inflammation.  Most of the common complications that come with hepatitis B Include liver cirrhosis, liver failure, liver cancer, blood vessel problem and kidney disease. 

Determinants of Health

• Economic Stability – Infected persons with insurance are more like to seek medical help than those who do not have one. 

• Education - People who are more educated are likely to understand the treat