Hepatitis B is an infection caused by a virus that inflames the liver. It is usually asymptomatic and feels like a mild illness so it may go unnoticed. In other cases, the person has abdominal pain, tiredness, loss of appetite, hives, yellowing of the eyes and skin, and dark urine. In these circumstances, it is important to consult a specialist.

How do you get it?

By having contact with contaminated body fluids such as blood, either through tattoos, piercings, sharing needles, transfusions, and/or unprotected sex.

In extreme situations, it can cause liver cancer. It is prevented by avoiding sexual risk behaviors, use or abuse of blood products, and intravenous drugs. Long-term complications are usually cirrhosis or hepatocarcinoma. Since 1982 in our country the hepatitis B vaccine has been included in the national immunization plan.

Dr. Roberto Piccini
Gastroenterologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma