Hepatitis B — Common Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment
Uganda remains endemic to viral Diseases such as Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) with national prevalence rates of 4.3% (5.6% among men and 3.1% among women). High-risk behaviours and lack of disease information and resources have had a profound effect on the spread of Hepatitis B Virus.
Similar to HIV, HBV Is incurable and patients currently require lifelong treatment with antiviral drugs. Hepatitis B is a highly infectious liver disease that can spread when one comes into contact with body fluids like saliva, blood, pus or sweat of an infected person. The risk of getting infected upon exposure is very high yet 9 out of every 10 people in Uganda do not know their status.
In the early stages of infection, one may not show any signs or symptoms of the disease and that is why it is essential to screen and know one’s status. As the disease progresses, one is likely to show signs and symptoms such as
- Right-sided upper abdominal pain
- Nausea & Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Yellowing of eyes
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal distension
Even though HBV has no cure, getting a vaccine against HBV is the surest way of keeping oneself safe. This offers lifelong protection against the disease.
In light of the above, Rocket Health has introduced an offer to allow you to get a screening test and all three vaccine shots at only Ugx 90,000. Our team will come to your location (in and around Kampala, Uganda) to draw a sample for testing or choose to visit the clinic (along Lumumba Avenue on Rumme Towers).
Once your screening test is negative, you will receive your first shot and get scheduled for the second and third after a month and 6 months respectively. If your Hepatitis B screening test comes back positive, you will not get vaccinated but get further medical treatment which will include additional tests to assess the severity of infection and need for treatment.
If you need to get in touch with our team and order for the HBV screening test and vaccine, please call 0800 277015 (toll-free), WhatsApp: +256 790 512 074 or visit our e-shop.
Author: Dr Kenneth Muheise and Sandra Arinaitwe.