Jelena Jevtović, psychologist and DPST counselor
Potent Association
Hepatitis B is a liver inflammation that occurs as a result of infection with the hepatitis B virus (abbreviated: HBV). This virus is transmitted through blood, seminal fluid, vaginal and anal secretions, and very rarely through saliva. HBV is more contagious than HIV and hepatitis C (abbreviated: HCV).
After an incubation period of 30 to 180 days, acute hepatitis appears, with mostly imperceptible and nonspecific symptoms, with or without jaundice. In about 90% of cases in healthy people, the body will create antibodies within 6 months, which is a good sign that the body has fought the infection and has created permanent immunity. However, in those whose body does not create antibodies for 6 months, chronic hepatitis B infection occurs, which can result in cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Chronic hepatitis B still cannot be cured, but infection can be quickly and easily protected by vaccination.
Since 1994, vaccination against hepatitis B has In Serbia become mandatory at birth. Anyone who has not yet been vaccinated can do so in Belgrade at the City Institute for Public Health (free of charge with a doctor's prescription) or at the Institute for Public Health "Dr. Milan Jovanović Batut“ (even without prescription, paying a fee of 2050 dinars per dose, at the moment of writing). The vaccine against hepatitis B is also available in other institutions and institutes for public health throughout Serbia.
Before vaccination, three laboratory tests must be performed: 1) HBs Antigen, 2) Anti HBs Ag total antibodies and 3) HBc total antibodies. These tests will show whether a person is already infected, or whether there may be protective antibodies as a result of vaccination or previous infection.
After the first dose of the vaccine, it is necessary to receive two more doses. One after a month, and the second after 6 months, and in case the number of antibodies after vaccination is at or below 12, or this number decreases over time, it is possible to receive another dose.
If you need additional information, guidelines or interpretation of test results, contact us at 063557890.