Preventing HBV Infection

Preventing HBV Infection. 

• Practice safe sex (use latex condoms)
  Don't share anything that could have an infected person's blood on it, i.e. toothbrushes, razors, nail clippers, body piercing instruments. 
  Don't share needles. 
  Cover all sores and rashes and do not touch them. 
  Clean up any blood spills with a 10 per cent solution of household bleach. 
  If exposed to Hepatitis B, get an HBIG ( Hepatitis B immune globulin ) injection within 14 days following exposure. 

HBV Vaccination

Candidates for vaccination are : 

• All individuals living in the same household as a chronically infected individual. 
  All newborns and children up to the age of 19 years. 
  Those who are in positions where they are exposed to blood at work, through drug use or who have multiple sex partners. 
  Individuals with Hepatitis C and other chronic liver diseases. 
  
  Vaccination provides protection for more than 15 years, and possible a lifetime. HBV booster shots are not recommended. 

Newborn Vaccination.

All newborns should get three of the HBV vaccines - the first within 12 hours of birth, the second at 1-2 months, and the third at 6 months. In addition, babies born to infected mothers should receive a shot called H-BIG within 12 hours of delivery. Without the above intervention, 90 per cent of babies born to infected mothers will become chronically infected. 

Living with Hepatitis B

HBV carriers have the responsibility to take important steps to care for self and prevent the spread of HBV to others. 

Keep others Healthy

Hepatitis B is transmitted by contact with infected blood, serum, semen, and vaginal fluids. Wash your hands with soap after touching your own blood or body fluids. Throw personal items such as tissues, menstrual pads, tampons, or bandages in a plastic bag. All cuts and open sores should be covered with a bandage. Wipe up blood spills, then reclean the area with a solution of one part household bleach to ten parts water. 
Tell your sexual partners you have Hepatitis B. Partners should be tested for HBV, and if not immune to the virus, they should receive the vaccination series of three shots. Until protection for HBV has been guaranteed, use a condom. People living in the same household as a carrier should see their doctor for Hepatitis B testing and vaccination. If anyone is exposed to blood or body fluids, H-BIG given within tow days to two weeks can prevent the infection. 

Keep Yourself Healthy

• Monitor the state of the liver at least once a year to determine if the disease is progressing and if cirrhosis or liver cancer is developing. 

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  Ask the physician to review all medications. Some over-the-counter and herbal or ayurvedic medicines can harm the liver. 

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  Have periodic ultrasound an alpha-fetoprotein blood tests for detecting liver cancer. 
  Pregnant women should inform the obstetrician of being an HBV carrier, so that the baby can receive appropriate treatment. 

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  On routine visits, remind the doctor, dentist, and other healthcare providers of being an HBV carrier. 

Hepatitis B
Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatitis B
Outcome from Hepatitis B
Preventing HBV Infection
Things not to do for Hepatitis B