Hepatitis B: Identifying High-Risk Groups and Preventive Measures

Hepatitis B: Identifying High-Risk Groups and Preventive Measures

Question. Write a short note on high-risk groups and prophylaxis of hepatitis B.

Answer.

High-risk Groups of Hepatitis B:

The hepatitis B virus can infect infants, children, teens, and adults.

Although everyone can be at some risk for a hepatitis B infection, there are people who are at greater risk because of their ethnic background, occupation, or lifestyle choices.

“Understanding hepatitis B prevention through FAQs: Identifying risks and solutions explained”

The following list is a guide for screening high-risk groups, but it certainly does not represent all potential risk factors.

• Health care providers and emergency responders
• Sexually active heterosexuals (more than 1 partner in the past six months)
• Men who have sex with men (Homosexuals)
• Individuals diagnosed with a sexually transmittd disease (STD)
• Illicit drug users (injecting, inhaling, snorting, pill popping)
• Sex contacts or close household members of an infected person

“Factors influencing success with hepatitis B prevention strategies: Q&A”

• Children adopted from countries where hepatitis B is common (Asia, Africa, South America, Pacific Islands,
• Eastern Europe, and the Middle East)
• All pregnant women
• Recipients of a blood transfusion before 1992 Kidney dialysis patients and those in early renal failure
• Inmates of a correctional facility Staf and clients of institutions for the developmentally disabled
• Any individual who may have other risk factors not included on this list.

“Importance of studying hepatitis B preventive measures for healthcare professionals: Questions explained”

Prophylaxis of Hepatitis B:

Following is the prophylaxis of hepatitis B:

• Recombinant hepatitis B vaccine having HBsAg capable of producing active immunization.
• Usually three injections of vaccine should be given IM during current, fist and sixth month.
  These vaccinations provide 90% of prophylaxis from hepatitis B virus.
• If patient is immunocompromised larger doses of vaccination should be given.
• Passive immunization is provided by IM injection of hyperimmune serum globulins which is given within 24 hours or almost within a week of exposure to infected blood.
• Active along with passive immunization is provided to the paramedicos who has undergone needle stick injury, to newborn babies of hepatitis B positive mothers and to regular sexual partner of hepatitis B positive patient.
  Dosage is 500 IU for adults and 200 IU for babies.

“Common challenges in preventing hepatitis B among high-risk groups: FAQs provided”

Following precautions are to be taken for prevention from hepatitis B:

• Avoid infected blood transfusion, body organs, sperms and other tissues. Blood should be screened before transfusion.
• Strict sterilization process should be ensured in clinics.
• Presterilized needles and syringe should be used.
• Avoid injections unless they are absolutely necessary.
• Carrier should be told not to share razors or tooth brushes, use barrier methods of contraceptions, avoid blood donation.