Answer:
Hepatitis B is a common infectious disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It's primarily transmitted through blood, from mother to child, and through unprotected sex. Studies show that HBV is not transmitted through close contact such as talking, shaking hands, hugging, or kissing on the cheek. The viral load in an infected person's saliva is very low, so it can't be spread through respiratory contact.
However, Vietnam has one of the highest rates of hepatitis B in the world. According to the Department of Preventive Medicine (Ministry of Health), people of all ages can be infected. The younger the age of infection, the higher the risk of chronic hepatitis or liver cancer later in life.
People with hepatitis B need lifelong antiviral medication. If treatment is discontinued, the disease can progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Fortunately, hepatitis B can be effectively prevented with a vaccine. If you are worried about the risk of infection, you should get vaccinated as soon as possible. Before vaccination, you need a blood test to see if you currently have the disease or already have sufficient antibodies.
If your antibody levels are below protective levels or you have no antibodies to hepatitis B, you need to be vaccinated. If you already have the disease, vaccination will not be effective.
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The hepatitis B virus is not transmitted through respiratory contact like talking, shaking hands, or cheek kissing. Illustration: Vecteezy |
The hepatitis B virus is not transmitted through respiratory contact like talking, shaking hands, or cheek kissing. Illustration: Vecteezy
Vietnam has various hepatitis B vaccines for adults and children. Adults need three doses within 6 months, a hepatitis B test before a booster shot, and additional booster shots when antibody levels decrease.
Children should receive the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth, followed by the recommended schedule for vaccines containing the hepatitis B component, such as the 5-in-1 or 6-in-1 vaccines.
In addition to vaccination, you should also prevent the disease by practicing safe sex, avoiding sharing personal items, eating a nutritious diet, and exercising regularly to strengthen your immune system. You should also avoid alcohol, stimulants, and tobacco. If you do contract the disease, you should follow your doctor's treatment plan and avoid treating hepatitis B with herbal remedies or traditional medicine.
Dr. Nguyen Tien Dao
Medical Manager, VNVC Vaccination System
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