Hepatitis B is the most common cause of viral hepatitis worldwide. It is estimated that 350 million people (5 percent of the world population) are chronic carriers of the hepatitis B virus (HBV). There are quite a number of common myths and misunderstanding about this common disease:

Myth: Patients chronically

infected with HBV usually have jaundice, abdominal discomfort, and weight loss or poor appetite.

Fact: Hepatitis B patients

usually do not have any symptoms. A person infected with the virus for years, which can cause chronic liver inflammation and even liver cirrhosis, may not feel any difference. The above symptoms may only manifest themselves when the patient has more advanced disease, which means the liver can no longer function normally. Unfortunately, this is usually considered the end stage of disease and the only option is a liver transplant.

Myth: All patients infected with HBV will develop chronic hepatitis B, liver cirrhosis and liver cancer and die of liver diseases.

Fact: This is not true. About 90 percent of patients infected with HBV, especially those who are older than 5 years will recover from a hepatitis B infection and develop immunity against the virus. Only 10 Percent of infected patients will continue to have a chronic HBV infection, which

could lead to serious liver diseases and complications. However, if infected at an age less than 5 years, 60-90 percent of these children will become chronic carriers of HBV.

Myth: Viral hepatitis B can be transmitted easily through casual contact such as eating together.

Fact: Among the different types of viral hepatitis, only hepatitis A and E are transmitted through contaminated food and water (i.e. oral-fecal route). Hepatitis B is transmitted primarily through blood contaminated and sexual contact. Therefore, hepatitis B patients do not have to avoid close contact with people. They do not have to eat separately or use separate bathrooms. They should avoid sharing personal hygiene items such as a toothbrush, razor, nail clipper and coin rubber as these products could be contaminated with their infected blood. They should also not donate blood.

Myth: A yearly physical check-up and lab tests will let patients know whether they have hepatitis B or not.

Fact: Not true. Hepatitis B is a silent disease. A yearly check-up may not show anything since most hepatitis B patients do not feel sick or have any symptoms until they have advanced disease. Routine lab tests usually included glucose, cholesterol, liver and kidney function tests and blood counts. But, hepatitis B test is not a routine blood test. There are hundred of blood tests for specific

diseases. Doctors do not order all of them without a specific reason. Therefore, one should ask the physician to check for hepatitis B during a physical check-up.

Myth: Hepatitis B patients have to be on a special diet that excludes fatty and fried foods, eggs, etc.

Fact: They do not have to be on any special diet. They can eat a normal diet without having to exclude eggs, meats or fatty foods. However, if the patients are overweight or have high cholesterol, they should lose weight and be on a diet to control their cholesterol since fat is "toxic" to liver. Patients with chronic HBV should also be sure to avoid consumption of alcohol.

Myth: Herbal medications are effective in treatment of hepatitis B, liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Fact: Presently, there has

been no published study showing any herbal drugs effective in treating hepatitis B, liver inflammation and cirrhosis, and cancer. On the other hand, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reported a number of herbal drugs that can cause acute hepatitis and jaundice. Therefore, one should consult with physician before taking any herbal medications.