Research shows that 7.2% of the population are carriers of hepatitis B virus. It is estimated that more than 500,000 people in Hong Kong have the virus, but only regarding one adult knows regarding it and regularly follows up. In order to raise public awareness of hepatitis B and the importance of regular monitoring, Cancer Information Network Charity Foundation and the Hong Kong Liver Health Association jointly organized the “Hepatitis Free in the City” campaign, which was officially launched yesterday (July 28) on World Hepatitis Day.
Xu Jiaqiang, a specialist in surgery, said that regarding 25% of hepatitis B carriers will develop sequelae such as liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and even liver cancer. It’s not worth it,” because these sequelae can be effectively prevented through preventive measures such as vaccines.”
serious sequelae
Hepatitis B is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus. Yuan Mengfeng, chair professor of the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the University of Hong Kong, pointed out that many people have been infected with the virus when they were fetuses or at a few years old. It is transmitted to children through contact, or directly transmitted from mother to fetus.” Other transmission routes include sexual contact, blood contact, etc. “If you become a carrier of the virus, you will ‘coexist with the virus’ for the rest of your life and cannot be ‘zeroed’.”
The symptoms of hepatitis B are not obvious. If the opportunity for treatment is missed, it may lead to serious diseases such as liver cirrhosis following many years. “Repetitive inflammation of the liver, like constant damage to the skin, will form scars. When these hardened cells become more and more numerous, the liver will not work properly, causing problems such as ascites, gastrointestinal bleeding, and hepatic coma, which can be fatal.”
Vaccines are effective in preventing
Since 1988, local newborn babies can receive hepatitis B vaccine free of charge, reducing the population of carriers in Hong Kong from regarding 10% to the current 7.2%. Yuan Mengfeng believes that in order to lower the number, the vaccine program must continue. “People born before the program can also be tested for the virus first, and if not, they should be vaccinated. Although the relevant antibodies will decline over time following vaccination, However, the immune system has memory cells, and if you are exposed to the hepatitis B virus, you will also have an immune response, so you don’t need a booster.”
At present, the hepatitis B rapid test process is simple. Just take a drop of blood on the finger and drop the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) test reagent, and the result will be obtained in a few minutes, with an accuracy of 95%. If the test is positive, further testing should be carried out to confirm .
Follow up every six months
Hepatitis B carriers should have regular check-ups to monitor their condition even if they do not have any symptoms. Yuan Mengfeng believes that “people with the virus should first tell their family members, because the virus may spread at home; secondly, they must test the virus, liver function, liver enzymes, liver cancer index, and liver sound wave examination every six months, so as to detect the sequelae and deal with it early. In addition, there are also effective drugs that can suppress the virus and minimize the risk of sequelae.”
“Hepatitis Free in the City” Campaign
In order to enhance the public’s awareness of hepatitis B, the “Hepatitis Free City” campaign will deepen the understanding of the symptoms, treatment and prevention of hepatitis B through exhibitions, lectures, etc. of mobile exhibition vehicles touring the territory. The next lecture will be held at the Hong Kong Central Library on the evening of 15 August. Interested parties can call 9462 7207 for enquiries.
Originally published on AM730 https://www.am730.com.hk/Health/Hepatitis B virus carriers-90% of them do not know they are recruited/331035
