Nam Long shared that his job often required him to consume alcohol, but he had improved his health by exercising regularly, eating well, and maintaining a relaxed mindset. As a result, his weight remained stable, and he felt healthy.

However, in May 2024, during a routine health examination, Long was surprised to receive test results indicating an active hepatitis B infection. He stated he did not know the source of the infection and feared the disease could progress to cirrhosis or liver cancer. He is currently prescribed antiviral medication and needs to limit alcohol, increase physical activity, and undergo regular follow-ups and tests to monitor his condition.

Receiving a hepatitis B diagnosis without knowing the source makes many people confused and worried. Photo: Vecteezy

Similarly, Huong Linh, 26, from Da Nang, discovered she had dormant hepatitis B during a pre-marital check-up, while her boyfriend had protective antibodies. Tests showed that her mother was also positive for the hepatitis B virus in its dormant state. Neither mother nor daughter required medication but needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle and regular check-ups. Linh was concerned about the risk of mother-to-child transmission as she plans to have children.

Doctor Phan Nguyen Truong Giang, Medical Manager at VNVC Immunization System, stated that hepatitis B infection is common in Vietnam, with many cases having an unknown source. Vietnam currently has approximately 7,6 million people infected with hepatitis B, but only over 1,6 million have been diagnosed.

The disease often presents without clear symptoms, making it a silent spreader in the community. There are three main transmission routes: mother-to-child, sexual contact, and blood. The virus can survive for several days on surfaces and spread through blood-contaminated items such as razors, toothbrushes, and nail clippers.

A young woman receives the hepatitis B vaccine for prevention at VNVC Immunization System, four years after her brother contracted the disease from an unknown source. Photo: Dieu Thuan

If left untreated, hepatitis B can progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer, which is the leading cause of cancer in Vietnam, with over 26.500 new cases each year. Therefore, Doctor Giang recommends that everyone undergo regular health check-ups and quantitative hepatitis B antibody tests. Those diagnosed with the disease should adhere to their doctor's treatment plan, adopt a healthy diet, avoid alcohol, refrain from sharing personal items, and practice safe sex to prevent spreading the pathogen.

Hepatitis B is preventable through vaccination, with two types available: a single-dose vaccine and a combined vaccine that also protects against hepatitis A. Adults need to complete three doses within six months, undergo antibody testing before vaccination, and receive a booster if antibody levels decrease. Individuals living with infected patients should have regular health check-ups and quantitative antibody tests to get vaccinated promptly if their antibody levels drop, preventing infection.

Pregnant women infected with hepatitis B need to monitor their health and undergo regular tests, especially during the last three months of pregnancy. Immediately after birth, infants should receive hepatitis B immunoglobulin within six hours and the vaccine within 24 hours. They should then continue with combination vaccines containing the hepatitis B component, such as 6-in-1 or 5-in-1.

Phuc An