Part 1: Imagine someone you know is dealing with a critical health issue. Choose a health issue to research. Write a

250-word essay describing the best way to address the issue and the advantages of seeking advice when dealing with

a critical health issue.

Part 2: Choose a personal health concern to research. Use three to five sources in your research and evaluate the

validity of each one. Write a 250-300 word essay describing the health concern and how you evaluated each source.

Don't forget to include the list of sources in your project

Submit both parts of the project here.

Explanation:

I have a close friend who suddenly detected that he has hepatitis B. He was having a severe stomach aches and was rushed to the hospital. In the hospital, some random tests were conducted and part of the tests was the HbAg blood test which was the Hepatitis B test. The test came out positive and he was quite shocked. The truth was that severe stomach pain is not part of the symptoms of Hepatitis B. He must have eaten something wrong on that day. It was just the random test that made them realize he has hepatitis b.

Hepatitis B is a disease in which the symptoms may not surface in the carrier after contacting it. However, some people have acute illness with symptoms that last several weeks, including yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), dark urine, extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

According to the WHO, Hepatitis B is a life-threatening viral infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) that attacks the liver and can cause both acute and chronic disease. The virus is most commonly transmitted from mother to child during birth and delivery, as well as through contact with blood or other body fluids.  WHO estimates that in 2015, 257 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B infection (defined as hepatitis B surface antigen positive).

Hepatitis B has no cure but can be prevented by vaccines that are safe, available and effective. The vaccine offers 98-100% protection against the disease for those who have not been infected. It is also prevented through the usage of oral anti-viral drugs like tenofovir or entecavir.

Hepatitis B is also spread by needlestick injury, tattooing, piercing and exposure to infected blood and body fluids, such as saliva and, menstrual, vaginal, and seminal fluids. It is also spread from mother to child.  

It is best to seek medical advice on time so as to prevent potential liver damage or disease and cirrhosis.

Sources: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hepatitis-b