Hepatitis B

1. Definition of "hepatitis B."

1. It is a disease inflammation of the liver.

2. It is spread through infectious blood, blood products, or other body fluids.

3. It has a incubation period of 50-180 days.

2. Groups that have an increased risk of hepatitis B.

1. Health care workers who work with blood or blood products.

2. Dentists and dental practitioners.

3. Intravenous drug users.

4. Male homosexuals.

5. Laboratory personnel.

3. Signs and symptoms of the three stages of hepatitis B.

1. Preicteric stage lasts about a week.

1. Loss of appetite.

2. Fever and chills.

3. Nausea and vomiting.

4. Headache.

5. Tenderness in right upper abdomen.

6. Weakness.

2. Icteric stage lasts about four to six weeks.

1. Jaundice.

2. Loss of appetite.

3. Nausea and vomiting.

4. Weakness.

3. Posticteric stage (diminishing signs and symptoms).

4. Measures to prevent hepatitis B.

1. Persons at high risk should receive hepatitis B vaccine (nurses, dentists, surgeons, hemodialysis staff and patients, homosexuals, etc.).

2. Persons who have been exposed to hepatitis should receive hepatitis B immuno globulin.

3. Frequent hand washing and good personal hygiene are essential.

4. Needles should never be recapped and should be disposed of properly.

5. Gown and gloves should be worn when any contact with blood or body fluids is made.

6. Adequate rest and a well-balanced diet helps build resistance to disease. (Provide "Daily Food Guide" handout.)

5. Measures to manage hepatitis.

1. Assess and report any signs of bleeding.

2. Decrease itching:

1. Take medication or apply lotions as prescribed.

2. Take cool showers and avoid high temperatures.

3. Keep fingernails cut short to prevent injury.

3. Get adequate nutrition.

1. Eat small, frequent meals.

2. Eat high-calorie, nutritious foods. (Provide "Increased Calories" handout.)

4. Get adequate rest.

6. Possible complications of hepatitis B.

1. Chronic, persistent hepatitis.

2. Chronic, active hepatitis.

3. Fulminant viral hepatitis.

4. Cirrhosis of the liver.