Why is Hepatitis B Stigmatized?
Hepatitis B is often discriminated against due to its contagious nature. Many people in life have misunderstandings about the transmission of hepatitis B. Hepatitis B is generally transmitted through blood, mother-to-child transmission, sexual contact, and medical instruments. By taking a little extra care, the risk of infection can be reduced. As long as the hepatitis B vaccine is properly administered, antibodies will be produced in the body to fight against the hepatitis B virus.
1. Blood Transmission: Transfusion of infected blood or blood products can transmit hepatitis B. However, with the advancement of medical testing and the strict enforcement of blood donation and transfusion regulations, the risk of infection through this route has been greatly reduced.
2. Mother-to-Child Transmission: It is generally divided into vertical transmission and horizontal transmission. Vertical transmission refers to the fetus being infected in the uterus, which accounts for only about 10% of cases. Horizontal transmission refers to close contact during the perinatal period and after birth, such as cesarean delivery and breastfeeding.
3. Sexual Transmission: This is mainly a form of bodily fluid transmission, including semen and vaginal fluid, which are contagious. Mucosal damage during sexual intercourse can lead to infection.
4. Medical Instrument Transmission: This includes the use of medical instruments contaminated by hepatitis B patients during medical examinations and treatments that have not undergone strict sterilization, such as surgery, dental instruments, acupuncture needles, piercing earrings, double eyelid surgery, and endoscopy. Additionally, sharing razors, toothbrushes, etc., with hepatitis B carriers in daily life poses a risk of infection.
Receiving a regular hepatitis B vaccination is essential, and even dining together with hepatitis B patients is not a problem. Hepatitis B is not terrifying; rather, it is our ignorance that is frightening. By understanding more about hepatitis B and facing the disease squarely, we will no longer be afraid to mention it.
