Which one of the following statements is not correct?
A
Hepatitis B virus is transmitted much like HIV.
B
Hepatitis B, unlike Hepatitis C, does not have a vaccine.
C
Globally, the number of people infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses are several times more than those infected with HIV.
D
Some of those infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses do not show the symptoms for many years.
Correct Answer: Option B
Explanation
1. Statement (A) is correct. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is transmitted through exposure to infectious blood, semen, and other body fluids, similar to the modes of transmission for HIV.
2. Statement (B) is *not correct*. A safe and effective vaccine against Hepatitis B has been available since 1982. Currently, there is no vaccine for Hepatitis C.
3. Statement (C) is correct. Globally, estimates indicate that hundreds of millions are chronically infected with Hepatitis B or C, far exceeding the number of people living with HIV.
4. Statement (D) is correct. Many people infected with chronic Hepatitis B or C remain asymptomatic for years or even decades, often unaware they have the infection until liver damage develops.