Hepatitis B often evades early detection, shares Dr Ayush Dhingra. (Pexel) Hepatitis B infects the liver and can cause chronic disorders in the organ over time. According to Dr Dhingra, vaccination is the best way to stay safe. Hepatitis B is a viral infection that targets the liver, progressing silently before symptoms become noticeable. By the time many people realise something is wrong, liver damage has already taken place.Also Read | Do mental workouts matter as much as physical exercise? Neurosurgeon Dr Anurag Saxena explainsIn an interaction with HT Lifestyle, Dr Ayush Dhingra reassured that Hepatitis B is one of the most preventable viral infections, making timely vaccination the smartest health decision a family can take. While our busy lifestyles can make it difficult to find time for vaccination, not taking the vaccine at all can come at a very high cost.What are the effects of Hepatitis BAccording to Dr Dhingra, there is yet to be widespread awareness about the effects of Hepatitis B. Unlike illnesses that announce their arrival with fever or cough, Hepatitis B quietly remains in the body for years.“Standard blood tests may appear normal even when the virus is causing underlying liver damage,” shared the gastroenterologist. “By the time symptoms like fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain, or distension appear, the liver has already been damaged severely.”Some people naturally recover from the disease. However, those who do not develop a chronic infection are at increased risk of liver cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer.“Since infected people may not know they carry the virus, they unknowingly pass it on through infected blood, from mother to baby during childbirth or through unsafe exposure of body fluids,” noted Dr Dhingra.The importance of vaccination against Hepatitis BVaccination is the best way to protect oneself from Hepatitis B. (Pexel)Dr Dhingra believes that prevention is the best defence against Hepatitis B. By delaying vaccination, a person leaves themselves vulnerable to an infection that has lifelong consequences like cirrhosis, liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) and other conditions like glomerulonephritis, dermatologic, and rheumatologic.“Advanced liver disease demands prolonged treatment and major lifestyle changes. In severe cases where the liver loses its ability to function, liver transplantation becomes the only life-saving treatment that helps to improve quality of life,” warned the gastroenterologist.Delaying Hepatitis B vaccination leaves individuals vulnerable to infection during the period they remain unprotected. This is particularly concerning for newborns, as babies infected during birth have a very high risk of developing chronic Hepatitis B, which can lead to lifelong liver damage.Similarly, adults who postpone vaccination due to lack of awareness or misconceptions may unknowingly remain at risk through routine medical procedures, occupational exposure, or close household contact with an infected person.“Since Hepatitis B often progresses silently without noticeable symptoms, many people are diagnosed only after significant liver damage has already occurred. Timely vaccination not only prevents infection but also reduces the long-term risk of cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer,” stated Dr Dhingra.Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.Dr Ayush Dhingra, MBBS, MD, DNB, is a consultant in the department of Gastroenterology at Manipal Hospital, Gurugram.Debapriya Bhattacharya is a Content Producer at Hindustan Times. He started his career in 2022, working in newsrooms in beats like education, US news, trending stories, and entertainment. In his new role in the lifestyle desk, he seeks to deliver a balanced blend of research-driven reporting and creative storytelling from health and recipes to art and culture. Science, philosophy, food and pop culture are what pump his veins and help bring heart to his stories. Debapriya tries to see out subjects that will allow him and readers to explore new frontiers and improve the quality of life for all. The explorations can be both external and internal, as thoughts seek to be as chaotic as the greater universe. As a citizen of the world, Debapriya has been fascinated by the lives of people across the globe throughout time. His curiosity leads him to explore new linguistic and cultural landscapes to broaden his horizons and deepen his understanding of global narratives. Beyond the newsroom, Debapriya loves to participate in debate and theatre, spaces that he considers to be holy grounds for nuance and self-expression. A graduate from Ashutosh College, University of Calcutta, Debapriya completed his Master's degree from the same university in 2022. An ambiverted bibliophile, he loves his solitude as much as he adores stimulating conversations. And despite his reverence for tech, libraries continue to be his favourite place for research.Read MoreVaccinationHepatitis BLiver CancerCatch every big hit, every wicket with Crick-it, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Quizzes, Polls & much more. Explore now!.Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.See Less