Hepatitis B can be especially dangerous for infants and newborns. It is a disease transmitted by blood or body fluids that may be passed from mother to fetus through the umbilical cord or vaginal secretions during birth. Hepatitis causes injury and inflammation to liver cells. It may also cause liver cirrhosis and liver cancer over time. It is very important that all mothers get tested for Hepatitis B during their pregnancy. If they test positive, their baby can receive vaccinations that may prevent them from contracting the disease. If a baby is exposed to hepatitis B, he may not show any signs or symptoms for many years. For most children, symptoms usually begin to emerge around the time of adolescence. In children with a severe infection, they may exhibit signs and symptoms earlier.
It is recommended that all adults receive the hepatitis B vaccination. The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends that all newborns get vaccinated against hepatitis B. The first vaccine should take place by two months of age, and the second dose given at six to 18 months.
Joint Pain and Fatigue
Your child may begin to complain of pain in their joints and extremities, and be unusually fatigued. If you are concerned that your child may have been exposed to hepatitis B, speak to your doctor so that they may order the appropriate lab tests to diagnose your child.
Nausea and Loss of Appetite
Some children experience nausea and a loss of appetite if infected by the hepatitis B virus. These symptoms may also be evidence of a gastrointestinal illness. Make sure that your child drinks an adequate amount of fluids so that they do not become dehydrated. If you notice nausea and poor appetite in conjunction with some of the other mentioned symptoms, speak with your physician.
Jaundice
Jaundice is a yellow-ish discoloration of the skin, whites of the eye and mucous membranes. If you notice that your child's skin has a yellowish tone, or the white part of their eye is yellow, seek medical care. If jaundice is left untreated, it may lead to liver failure.
Do not confuse these symptoms with physiological neonatal jaundice, which is often seen in infants from the second day of birth lasting up to two weeks. This is treated with special light waves at the hospital before your baby comes home.
