Answer:

Cogon grass, also known as Imperata cylindrica, is a common weed found along roadsides, rice paddy banks, and vacant lots in Vietnam. In traditional Vietnamese medicine, cogon grass is considered to have a sweet taste and cooling properties. It's used for various purposes, such as reducing fever, enriching blood, treating high blood pressure, detoxification, and liver support. However, for hepatitis B, cogon grass only offers supportive benefits and cannot replace antiviral medication. Patients should consult a doctor before using it as part of their treatment.

Cogon grass, a common weed found in fields, along roadsides, and in gardens, is familiar to many Vietnamese. Photo: Hoang Duong

Cogon grass, a common weed found in fields, along roadsides, and in gardens, is familiar to many Vietnamese. Photo: Hoang Duong

Currently, there's no specific cure for hepatitis B. If your father has been diagnosed with hepatitis B, he should have a follow-up appointment with his doctor and take prescribed medications as directed. It's crucial to avoid discontinuing prescribed medication in favor of herbal remedies based on hearsay. This can lead to rapid disease progression, potentially resulting in cirrhosis or liver cancer.

Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. It's transmitted through blood, unprotected sex with an infected person, and, less commonly, from mother to child.

Infected individuals can transmit the virus to family members. Therefore, family members should get tested for hepatitis B. Those infected should seek treatment at a reputable medical facility. Those without antibodies or with insufficient antibody levels should get vaccinated.

Hepatitis B often progresses silently. If not detected and treated early, it can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer.

Several hepatitis B vaccines are available in Vietnam for both children and adults. These include the single-dose Heberbiovac HB (Cuba) and Gene Hbvax (Vietnam), and the combined Twinrix (Belgium), which also protects against hepatitis A.

Adults typically receive three doses over six months, with hepatitis B testing before vaccination and booster shots when antibody levels decrease. Children should receive their first dose within 24 hours of birth, followed by subsequent doses according to the vaccination schedule for vaccines containing the hepatitis B component, such as the 5-in-1 or 6-in-1 vaccines.

In addition to vaccination, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential: avoid alcohol and tobacco, limit spicy and hot foods, get enough sleep, manage stress, eat cooked food, and avoid sharing personal items.

Doctor Pham Dinh Dong

(Medical Manager, VNVC Vaccination System)

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