Hepatitis B

What is Hepatitis "B"?

What are the symptoms of Hepatitis "B"?

How is Hepatitis "B" spread?

Diagnosis & Treatment of Hepatitis "B".

Prevention of Hepatitis "B".

Is there a vaccine to prevent Hepatitis "B"?

Are there side effects for the Hepatitis "B" vaccine?

Who should get the Hepatitis "B" vaccine?

Is the Hepatitis "B" vaccine safe?

Current recommendations regarding the Hepatitis B vaccine.

What is Hepatitis "B" Immune Globulin (HBIG)?

Resources & Information for Hepatitis "B".

What is Hepatitis “B”?

Hepatitis B is a virus that causes infection of the liver.

What are the symptoms of Hepatitis “B”?

· Symptoms usually begin 6 weeks to 6 months after exposure to the virus (average 2 months). The duration of illness varies; most people recover within 3 weeks.

· In adults, early symptoms can include nausea (upset stomach), loss of appetite, vomiting, fatigue, and abdominal cramps (stomach or side pain).

· Dark yellow or brown urine, pale or white-colored stools (bowel movements), and jaundice (yellow eyes or skin) may also be present.

· Persons can have all or only a few of the above signs and symptoms.

· Nearly all infants and children and 50% of adults with a new infection have no symptoms whatsoever.

· Over 90% of infants, 50% of children, and 5% of adults with acute Hepatitis B will develop chronic or long-term infection.

· ChronicHepatitis B may lead to liver disease including cirrhosis and liver cancer.

How is Hepatitis “B” spread?

The virus lives in the liver and is present in the blood and certain body fluids. Spread occurs through contact with virus-containing blood and body fluids, such as sharing of injection drug equipment, sexual contact (homosexual and heterosexual), during childbirth, household contact with a person who has Hepatitis B, and sharing of personal hygiene items (such as nail clippers, razors, toothbrushes). The amount of virus is highest in blood and serous fluid (yellowish or clear fluid that drains from cuts/sores) but is also present in smaller amounts in semen, vaginal fluids, and menstrual blood. Although small amounts of virus can be found in saliva, saliva is not likely to spreadHepatitis B, unless saliva from an infected person gets into a cut or sore, for example, following a bite. Hepatitis B is not spread by kissing or sneezing.

Diagnosis & Treatment of Hepatitis “B”.

Hepatitis B is diagnosed with blood tests. There is no medicine or treatment for acute Hepatitis B. Rest, a low fat diet, and plenty of fluids are recommended. Avoid drugs and alcohol during any acute (new) illness.

Prevention of Hepatitis “B”.

If you use injection drugs, do not share needles, drugs, mixing solution, tourniquets, or works. Practice safe sex: use condoms for any sexual activity, including oral, anal, and vaginal sex. Do not share personal hygiene items, such as razors, nail clippers or files, toothbrushes, or wash cloths. Cover all cuts and open sores with a bandage.

Hepatitis B vaccine provides protection against Hepatitis B for many years. The vaccination series consists of 3 doses given over 6 months.

Is there a vaccine to prevent Hepatitis “B”?

Yes, an effective vaccine to prevent this serious infection has been available since 1981. A series of three shots given over 6 months will protect most people from getting Hepatitis B, and from the related liver diseases that can develop in persons infected with this virus.

Are there any side effects of the Hepatitis “B” vaccine?

Serious side effects following vaccination with Hepatitis B are rare. There is no confirmed scientific evidence that Hepatitis B vaccine causes chronic illness, including multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, or autoimmune disorders. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are studying the rare reports of illness related to Hepatitis B vaccine and continually monitor vaccine safety.

Who should get the Hepatitis “B” vaccine?

· All babies and children 19 years of age or younger.

· Gay and BiSexual men.

· Anyone with more than one sex partner in a 6 month period.

· Illicit drug users (injection and non-injection).

· International travelers to areas where Hepatitis B is common (includes all areas of the world except Canada, Western Europe & Scandinavia, New Zealand & Australia.)

· Health care and public safety workers with exposure to blood in the workplace.

· Persons with chronic liver disease, including Hepatitis C.

· Household contacts and sexual partners of persons with Hepatitis B.

· Persons born in countries with high rates of Hepatitis B and their family members.

· Persons with clotting factor disorders, such as Hemophiliacs.

· Clients in institutions for the developmentally disabled.

· Alaska Natives and Pacific Islanders.

· Patients receiving chronic kidney dialysis (hemodialysis).

· Anyone else who wants protection against Hepatitis B.

Is the Hepatitis “B” vaccine safe?

Hepatitis B vaccine is a very safe and effective vaccine. There is absolutely no risk of developing Hepatitis B disease from the vaccine. Hepatitis B vaccine has been safely given to more than 20 million people in the U.S. and more than 500 million people worldwide. The most common side effects of the vaccine are a slight fever and localized pain where the shot is given.

What are the Current recommendations regarding the Hepatitis “B” vaccine?

The U.S. Public Health Service, The American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization all recommend that all children, and any adult who potentially may have exposure to Hepatitis B infection, be vaccinated.

How can I get more information about Hepatitis “B” & the safety of Hepatitis “B” vaccine?

CDC's National Immunization Information Hotline at 1-800-232-2522 (for English) and 1-800-232-0233 (for Spanish) or visit the following internet website: www.cdc.gov/nip.

What is Hepatitis “B” Immune Globulin (HBIG)?

Hepatitis B Immune Globulin (HBIG) is a blood plasma product that can prevent Hepatitis B if given within 14 days of an exposure to an infected individual. HBIG is effective 85-90% of the time and protects against Hepatitis B for about 3 months. HBIG is necessary if the exposed person has not been vaccinated against Hepatitis B and has never had a Hepatitis B infection. HBIG is given in combination with the 3 dose Hepatitis B vaccine series after exposure to the blood or sexual body fluids of a person with Hepatitis B. HBIG and Hepatitis B vaccine may be recommended for you if you have had sexual contact or a blood exposure from someone who has Hepatitis B.