Hepatitis B poses a significant health challenge in Vietnam, with approximately 7.6 million people living with the disease. However, only over 1.6 million have received a diagnosis. Vietnam ranks among the top 10 nations globally for the number of individuals infected with hepatitis B and C viruses. Annually, this disease claims over 1 million lives due to complications like cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Master, Doctor Doan Vinh Binh of the Medical Information Center, Tam Anh General Hospital Ho Chi Minh City, stated that hepatitis B can progress silently for many years. During this period, the virus continuously replicates, causing damage to liver cells. Within the liver, Kupffer cells function as a local immune barrier, identifying harmful agents and coordinating immune responses. If the virus is not controlled, Kupffer cells can become overactivated, increasing inflammatory factors, accelerating liver cell damage, and potentially leading to cirrhosis and cancer.

Doctor Binh highlighted three key strategies to help prevent hepatitis B:

**Get vaccinated**

Vaccines play a crucial role by enabling the body to produce specific antibodies against the hepatitis B virus before exposure occurs. Doctor Binh advises individuals who have never been vaccinated or lack immunity to proactively get vaccinated according to the Ministry of Health's recommendations. Complete vaccination is also essential for high-risk groups, such as healthcare workers, people living with hepatitis B patients, or those frequently exposed to blood and body fluids. Everyone should get tested for hepatitis B at least one time to determine their immune status, current infection, or prior exposure to HBV. For those already living with the disease, treatment for control must be accompanied by preventive measures to avoid infecting family members.

**Limit exposure to transmission routes**

The hepatitis B virus does not spread through casual contact like sharing food, shaking hands, coughing, or sneezing. However, HBV can exist in blood and various body fluids, meaning the risk of infection remains if there is direct contact with an infected source. Many infections stem from habits such as sharing razors or nail clippers, and getting tattoos and piercings at facilities that do not ensure sterility. These items can carry a very small amount of blood, increasing transmission risk.

Unsafe sexual contact is one of the common transmission routes for hepatitis B. This is because the hepatitis B virus is present not only in blood but also in semen and vaginal fluids. The risk of infection increases when condoms are not used or when there are multiple partners. Doctor Binh recommends that pregnant women should be screened for hepatitis B during pregnancy to prevent virus transmission to the child immediately after birth.

**Boost immunity**

After the virus enters the body, the disease's progression depends on the virus's virulence and the immune system's response. An effectively functioning immune system helps identify and eliminate viruses and infected cells more efficiently, contributing to limiting prolonged liver inflammation. Conversely, when immunity is weakened or less effective, the virus persists longer in the body, increasing the risk of progressing to chronic hepatitis.

To maintain a healthy immune system, individuals should get enough sleep, stay active, limit alcohol, avoid smoking, and maintain a balanced diet. Specific nutrients like wasabia and s.marianum help regulate Kupffer cell activity, thereby limiting progressive liver damage, reducing inflammation, and protecting liver cells from the risk of fibrosis.

A doctor at Tam Anh General Hospital is consulting a hepatitis B patient. *Photo: Hospital provided*

Beyond viral risks, the liver is also affected by other factors such as alcohol, fatty liver, obesity, certain medications, and chemicals. Limiting these factors is another way to protect liver function.

Dinh Dieu