What Everyone Should Know About Hepatitis B & Why You Should Get Vaccinated

Did you know that hepatitis B is a serious, life-threatening disease? It’s a virus that attacks the liver and can cause inflammation, swelling, and even death. And it’s not just a disease that affects adults – it can also affect children, who may not even show any symptoms.

Most people with hepatitis B don’t know they have it until they develop serious liver problems, like cirrhosis or liver cancer. In fact, hepatitis B is the leading cause of liver cancer in the world. It’s also a major cause of death from liver disease.

There’s no cure for hepatitis B, but there is a vaccine that can prevent it. Find out more.

1. What is hepatitis B and what are the symptoms?

Hepatitis B is a virus that attacks the liver. It is one of several types of viral hepatitis, which are all contagious and can cause similar symptoms.

Symptoms of hepatitis B virus infection may not appear for weeks or even months after infection. When they do appear, they may include fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, clay-coloured stools, joint pain, and yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).

If left untreated, hepatitis B can lead to serious health problems such as liver damage, chronic liver disease, liver cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), liver cancer, and even death. There is no cure for hepatitis B, but it can be controlled with medication and a healthy lifestyle.

2. How is hepatitis B transmitted?

Hepatitis B is spread through contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person. This can happen through sharing needles, getting a tattoo or piercing with contaminated equipment, or having unprotected sex with someone who has the virus. The virus can also be passed from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy or childbirth. Thus, hepatitis b screening is important to prevent further transmission.

3. Who should get vaccinated against hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B infection can cause many serious health complications. The good news is that there is a safe and effective vaccine available to help prevent this disease. The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all adults, including those who are at risk for exposure to the virus. This includes people who work in healthcare or public safety, anyone who has ever been diagnosed with hepatitis C, people with HIV, and those who have ever injected drugs. The vaccine is also recommended for adults over the age of 60, as they are more likely to develop serious complications from the virus.

4. How is the Hepatitis B vaccine given?

The hepatitis B vaccine is given as an injection into a muscle. It is usually given in three separate doses over a six-month period. According to the National Immunisation Schedule:

First dose: at birth

Second dose (given with the hexavalent vaccine): at 2 months old

Third dose (given with the hexavalent vaccine): at 3 months old

Fourth dose(given with the hexavalent vaccine): at 5 months old

Booster (given with the hexavalent vaccine): at 18 months old

For adults:

3 doses administered at 0, 1 and 6 months.

The vaccine is more than 90% effective at preventing hepatitis B infection, and it is the best way to protect against the disease. Booster doses of the vaccine are recommended for those who are at risk for exposure to the virus, such as healthcare workers or those who travel to areas where the disease is endemic.

5. What are the side effects of the vaccine?

The most common side effects of the vaccine are soreness and redness at the injection site. Other potential side effects may include fever, headache, and muscle aches. However, these side effects are typically mild and resolve within a few days. more serious reactions to the vaccine are very rare. If you experience any severe side effects after receiving the vaccine, you should seek medical attention immediately. Remember, the benefits of the vaccine far outweigh the risks. In addition to protecting yourself from the virus, you will also be helping to protect others by getting vaccinated.

6. Can I get hepatitis B from the vaccine?

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The hepatitis B virus is transmitted through contact with contaminated blood, semen, or other body fluids. It can also be passed from mother to child during childbirth. The hepatitis B vaccine is made from a purified protein that is found on the surface of the virus. When this protein is injected into the body, it stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against the virus. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the hepatitis B virus.

Also, the hepatitis B vaccine is given as an injection into the muscle, so it cannot enter the bloodstream and cause infection. There have been many studies conducted on the safety of the hepatitis B vaccine, and all have shown that it is safe and effective and it cannot cause hepatitis B infection.

7. What if I have already been exposed to hepatitis B?

If you have already been exposed to hepatitis B, it is important to get tested as soon as possible so that you can receive treatment if necessary. There is no specific cure for hepatitis B, but there are treatments that can help to manage the virus and reduce the risk of serious complications. In many cases, exposure to hepatitis B will result in lifelong infection, but the good news is that most people who are infected do not experience any symptoms. Even if you do not have any symptoms, it is still important to get tested so that you can be monitored for liver damage and other complications. With early diagnosis and treatment, you can minimize the impact of hepatitis B on your health. At DoctorOnCall, we offer health screening packages for the hepatitis virus.

8. How much does the vaccine cost?

The price of the hepatitis B vaccine (Malaysia) varies depending on the brand and the number of doses required. The Malaysian government also provides the vaccine free of charge for high-risk groups such as infants, children, pregnant women, healthcare workers and people with liver disease. For the general population, the hepatitis b vaccination is typically given as part of a routine childhood immunisation schedule. However, adults who are at risk of hepatitis B infection may also receive the vaccine. The cost of the hepatitis B vaccine is therefore determined by a number of factors, including brand, country of origin and target population.

9. Where to get vaccinated against hepatitis B in Malaysia?

There are a number of different places where you can get vaccinated against hepatitis B in Malaysia. For example, many GP clinics and travel clinics offer the vaccine. You can also get vaccinated at some hospitals and immunisation centres. The best way to find out where to get vaccinated in your area is to contact your local health department. They will be able to give you more information about where to go for the vaccine. Hepatitis B is a serious virus that can cause liver damage. The best way to protect yourself against it is to get vaccinated. So if you haven't been vaccinated yet, make sure you get it done as soon as possible.

If you haven't been vaccinated against hepatitis B yet, make sure you get it done as soon as possible. DoctorOnCall offers convenient appointments for hepatitis B vaccinations, so you can get vaccinated quickly and easily.

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