What is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). WHO reports that 6,000 people are newly infected with viral hepatitis each day and almost 3,000 people die from viral hepatitis every day. The infection can be either acute or chronic, leading to severe outcomes such as liver cancer, scarring/hardening of the liver and liver failure. Common ways that HBV spread is from mother to child at birth and exposure to infected blood and body fluids.
Most people do not experience any symptoms when newly infected. However, some symptoms to look out for include:
Dark urine
Fatigue
Nausea/ vomiting
Abdominal pain
Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
Screening & Treatment for a Healthy Liver
All adults above 18 years of age can be screened for hepatitis B. Although anyone can get infected, people at greater risk include health care workers, individuals with partners who have hepatitis B or other sexually transmitted infections, and family history of hepatitis B infection.
There is no specific treatment for acute hepatitis B. Chronic hepatitis B can be treated with oral medications such as tenofovir or entecavir. Treatment can:
- Slow down liver scarring and cirrhosis progression
- Reduce liver cancer risk
- Enhance long-term survival
Beacon Hospital is now offering Free Hepatitis B screening aiming to raise awareness and highlight the importance of early detection, prevention of hepatitis B infection and ensuring timely treatment for those who may be infected.
*Terms & Conditions
- This programme is valid from 13th May 2024 to 30th August 2024.
- Includes Hepatitis B blood test, reporting and hospital registration fee.
- Excludes follow-up consultation fee and other additional tests/ medications/ procedures.
- Applicable for self-paying customers only.
- Customers are required to make prior appointment for the programme.
- Beacon Hospital reserves the right to change the terms & conditions without prior notice.
