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<blockquote data-quote="MaD-DoC" data-source="post: 1161793" data-attributes="member: 56284">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Information&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; to Live By: Hepatitis B[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]What&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; is hepatitis B (HBV)? &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Hepatitis B is a virus that causes inflammation or swelling of&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; the liver. While most people recover, chronic or long lasting&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; hepatitis B can cause liver damage, which can lead to cirrhosis&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (scarring of the liver) and liver cancer. Up to 5,000 people die&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; each year in the United States from hepatitis B.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; How common is hepatitis B?&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; it is estimated that 1.25 million people in the United States&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; have chronic (long lasting) hepatitis B. There were (estimated)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 73,000 new infections in the United States in 2003.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; How can I get hepatitis B? &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Hepatitis B is spread through direct contact with blood, semen&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (cum), or vaginal secretions (wetness). [/FONT]
<ul>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Hepatitis&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; B can be spread through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; In adolescents and adults, this is how the disease is most often&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; spread.[/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Hepatitis&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; B can also be transmitted (passed) by injecting drug users who&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; share needles or other injecting equipment (pots, cookers, cottons,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; water, spoons, etc) that has been contaminated (infected) with&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; hepatitis B infected blood. [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Mothers&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; who have hepatitis B can pass it on to their babies during birth.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; [/FONT]</li>
</ul>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Although&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; rare, hepatitis B can be spread in the following ways.[/FONT]
<ul>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Saliva&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; can be a means of transmission through bites (since bites&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; normally involve blood or an open wound). However, this is not&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; the case with other exposures to saliva, such as kissing. [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The risk&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; of transmission from blood transfusion is currently low in the&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; U.S. since blood banks test all donated blood. [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Although&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; un-sterilized (unclean) tattoo, body piercing, and acupuncture&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; needles may transmit hepatitis B, it is rare.[/FONT]</li>
</ul>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Hepatitis&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; B is found in transmittable (contagious) levels in body fluids&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; including:[/FONT]
<ul>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Semen (cum)[/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Vaginal&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; secretions (wetness)[/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Saliva&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Blood [/FONT]</li>
</ul>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Hepatitis&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; B has also been found in low amounts in other body fluids (see&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; below), but these fluids have NOT been associated with transmission:[/FONT]
<ul>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Tears [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Dark-colored&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; urine (pee)[/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Feces (poop)[/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Breast&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; milk [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Cerebral&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (brain) and spinal (backbone) fluids[/FONT]</li>
</ul>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]HBV&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; is not spread through food or water or by casual contact.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; What are the signs or symptoms of hepatitis&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; B? &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Many adults have few or no symptoms. Symptoms may mimic the flu&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; and can include: [/FONT]
<ul>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Malaise&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (feeling of ill-health) [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Fatigue&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (feeling tired all the time) [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Anorexia&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (loss of appetite) [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Nausea&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (feeling like vomiting)[/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Abdominal&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; discomfort (stomach pain)[/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Dark-colored&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; urine [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Jaundice&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (yellow skin and eyes) [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Rash or&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; arthritis[/FONT]</li>
</ul>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]A few patients&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (1%) have a more severe illness and may experience sudden and&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; severe liver failure within a short period of time after infection.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; These people may suddenly collapse with fatigue, have jaundice&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (yellow skin and eyes), and develop swelling in their abdomen&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (stomach). This can be deadly if not treated immediately.[/FONT]&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]How&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; can I find out if I have hepatitis B? [/FONT]&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Your health&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; care provider can tell you by using a blood test. Special blood&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; tests can determine whether a person has acute (short term) or&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; chronic (long term) hepatitis.[/FONT]&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Hepatitis&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; B is not usually included in the routine blood tests that a doctor&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; orders, so patients may have to ask their health care provider&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (doctor) for the test.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; There are three standard blood tests for hepatitis B:&nbsp; [/FONT]
<ul>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]One test&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; checks to see if you are currently contagious.[/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Another&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; test can tell if you have had the disease before or if you’ve&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; been vaccinated and are now immune to the hepatitis B virus.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]A third&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; test can tell if the infection is long-lasting (chronic) or&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; short-term (acute) hepatitis B infection. [/FONT]</li>
</ul>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]In some cases,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; a health care provider will run all 3 tests.[/FONT]&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Hepatitis&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; B usually takes between 3 weeks and 2 months to show up in the&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; blood; so it may take up to 2 months for a test to be accurate.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; [/FONT]&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]If chronic&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (long lasting) hepatitis B is suspected, other tests may be ordered.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; These tests can help to decide treatment options and could include:[/FONT]
<ul>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Ultrasound&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -- detects signs of liver damage and liver cancer[/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Liver&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Biopsy – detects signs of liver damage and cancer[/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Liver&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Function Tests -- indicates damage to liver cells.[/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]E-Antigen&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Test -- detects e-antigen, a protein made by hepatitis B-infected&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; cells; monitors the effectiveness of some hepatitis B therapies.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; [/FONT]</li>
</ul>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Some people&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; who get the hepatitis B vaccine&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; may benefit from testing to make sure the vaccine is working.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (The test should be performed within 2 months after the last shot.)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; These individuals include:[/FONT]
<ul>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]A person&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; whose sex partner has chronic (long lasting) hepatitis B[/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]A person&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; whose immune system is compromised (i.e. someone living with&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; HIV or AIDS)[/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]A person&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; whose job exposes him or her to human blood[/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]A child&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; who is born to a mother with hepatitis B[/FONT]</li>
</ul>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]What&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; can I do to reduce my risk of getting hepatitis B?&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; VACCINATION BEFORE EXPOSURE TO HEPATITIS B: Hepatitis B is&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; preventable through a vaccine. Since the hepatitis D virus can&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; only co-exist (survive) with the hepatitis B virus,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; getting vaccinated against hepatitis B also protects&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; you against hepatitis D.[/FONT]
<ul>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The hepatitis&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; B vaccine is given in a series of three doses (shots). [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The first&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; and second shots must be given at least one month apart. [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The first&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; and third shots must be given at least four months apart. [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]If a shot&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; is missed, it should be given as soon as possible. [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The series&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; should not be restarted if a shot is missed. [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]HIV can&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; impair (weaken) the body’s response to the hepatitis vaccine.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]A combination&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; vaccine called TwinrixÒ is available that protects against both&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; hepatitis A and B in persons 18 and older. It reduces the total&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; number of injections (shots) for both vaccines from five to&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; three.[/FONT]</li>
</ul>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Hepatitis&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; B vaccine is recommended for everyone 18 years of age and younger&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; and for adults over 18 who are at risk of infection. (However,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; anyone can be vaccinated.) Those at high risk include the following:[/FONT]
<ul>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Health&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; care professionals [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Clients/staff&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; of institutions for the developmentally disabled [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Sexually&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; active men who have sex with men[/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]People&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; who live with or have sex with chronic hepatitis B carriers&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Travelers&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; to and immigrants from countries with high rates of hepatitis&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; B (high numbers of people who get hepatitis B) [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Sexually&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; active heterosexual men and women, including: [/FONT]<ul>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]those&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; who have been diagnosed with another sexually transmitted&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; disease (STD)[/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]those&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; who have had more than one sex partner in the past six months&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]those&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; who have received treatment in an STD clinic [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]those&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; who are sex workers or prostitutes [/FONT]</li>
</ul></li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Injecting&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; and non-injecting drug users [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Hemodialysis&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (kidney disease) patients [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Recipients&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; of certain blood products (like hemophiliacs) [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Prisoners&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; in long-term correctional facilities.[/FONT]</li>
</ul>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]IMMUNE&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; GLOBULIN (IG) AFTER EXPOSURE TO HEPATITIS B:&nbsp; If a person&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; comes in contact with hepatitis B and has NOT been vaccinated,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; they can receive a kind of shot called post-exposure immune globulin&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (HBIG) and the hepatitis B vaccine to prevent getting sick.[/FONT]
<ul>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]For unvaccinated&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; people who have come in contact with the hepatitis B virus,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; a dose of hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) may prevent illness.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The hepatitis&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; B vaccine given with HBIG is also recommended. (Getting the&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; hepatitis B vaccine along with the hepatitis B&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; immune globulin works better than the HBIG alone.) [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Both shots&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (hepatitis B plus HBIG) should be given within 7 days of coming&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; in contact with the hepatitis B virus. [/FONT]</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Since 1985,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; all plasma (blood) units used to make immune globulin have been&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; screened (tested) for HIV. [/FONT]</li>
</ul></blockquote>

[QUOTE="MaD-DoC, post: 1161793, member: 56284"] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=3][B]Information to Live By: Hepatitis B [/B][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2][B]What is hepatitis B (HBV)?[/B] Hepatitis B is a virus that causes inflammation or swelling of the liver. While most people recover, chronic or long lasting hepatitis B can cause liver damage, which can lead to cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and liver cancer. Up to 5,000 people die each year in the United States from hepatitis B. [B]How common is hepatitis B?[/B] According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is estimated that 1.25 million people in the United States have chronic (long lasting) hepatitis B. There were (estimated) 73,000 new infections in the United States in 2003. [B]How can I get hepatitis B?[/B] Hepatitis B is spread through direct contact with blood, semen (cum), or vaginal secretions (wetness). [/SIZE][/FONT][LIST] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Hepatitis B can be spread through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex. In adolescents and adults, this is how the disease is most often spread.[/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Hepatitis B can also be transmitted (passed) by injecting drug users who share needles or other injecting equipment (pots, cookers, cottons, water, spoons, etc) that has been contaminated (infected) with hepatitis B infected blood. [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Mothers who have hepatitis B can pass it on to their babies during birth. [/SIZE][/FONT][/LIST][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2][B]Although rare,[/B] hepatitis B can be spread in the following ways.[/SIZE][/FONT][LIST] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Saliva can be a means of transmission through [U]bites[/U] (since bites normally involve blood or an open wound). However, this is not the case with other exposures to saliva, such as kissing. [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]The risk of transmission from blood transfusion is currently low in the U.S. since blood banks test all donated blood. [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Although un-sterilized (unclean) tattoo, body piercing, and acupuncture needles may transmit hepatitis B, it is rare.[/SIZE][/FONT][/LIST][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Hepatitis B is found in transmittable (contagious) levels in body fluids including:[/SIZE][/FONT][LIST] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Semen (cum)[/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Vaginal secretions (wetness)[/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Saliva [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Blood [/SIZE][/FONT][/LIST][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Hepatitis B has also been found in low amounts in other body fluids (see below), but these fluids have NOT been associated with transmission:[/SIZE][/FONT][LIST] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Tears [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Dark-colored urine (pee)[/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Feces (poop)[/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Breast milk [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Cerebral (brain) and spinal (backbone) fluids[/SIZE][/FONT][/LIST][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2][B][I]HBV is not spread through food or water or by casual contact.[/I][/B] [B]What are the signs or symptoms of hepatitis B?[/B] Many adults have few or no symptoms. Symptoms may mimic the flu and can include: [/SIZE][/FONT][LIST] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Malaise (feeling of ill-health) [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Fatigue (feeling tired all the time) [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Anorexia (loss of appetite) [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Nausea (feeling like vomiting)[/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Abdominal discomfort (stomach pain)[/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Dark-colored urine [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes) [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Rash or arthritis[/SIZE][/FONT][/LIST][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]A few patients (1%) have a more severe illness and may experience sudden and severe liver failure within a short period of time after infection. These people may suddenly collapse with fatigue, have jaundice (yellow skin and eyes), and develop swelling in their abdomen (stomach). This can be deadly if not treated immediately.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2][B]How can I find out if I have hepatitis B?[/B] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Your health care provider can tell you by using a blood test. Special blood tests can determine whether a person has acute (short term) or chronic (long term) hepatitis.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Hepatitis B is not usually included in the routine blood tests that a doctor orders, so patients may have to ask their health care provider (doctor) for the test. There are three standard blood tests for hepatitis B: [/SIZE][/FONT][LIST] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]One test checks to see if you are currently contagious.[/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Another test can tell if you have had the disease before or if you’ve been vaccinated and are now immune to the hepatitis B virus. [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]A third test can tell if the infection is long-lasting (chronic) or short-term (acute) hepatitis B infection. [/SIZE][/FONT][/LIST][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]In some cases, a health care provider will run all 3 tests.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Hepatitis B usually takes between 3 weeks and 2 months to show up in the blood; so it may take up to 2 months for a test to be accurate. [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]If chronic (long lasting) hepatitis B is suspected, other tests may be ordered. These tests can help to decide treatment options and could include:[/SIZE][/FONT][LIST] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2][B]Ultrasound[/B] -- detects signs of liver damage and liver cancer[/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2][B]Liver Biopsy –[/B] detects signs of liver damage and cancer[/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2][B]Liver Function Tests[/B] -- indicates damage to liver cells.[/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2][B]E-Antigen Test -- [/B]detects e-antigen, a protein made by hepatitis B-infected cells; monitors the effectiveness of some hepatitis B therapies. [/SIZE][/FONT][/LIST][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Some people who get the hepatitis B vaccine may benefit from testing to make sure the vaccine is working. (The test should be performed within 2 months after the last shot.) These individuals include:[/SIZE][/FONT][LIST] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]A person whose sex partner has chronic (long lasting) hepatitis B[/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]A person whose immune system is compromised (i.e. someone living with HIV or AIDS)[/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]A person whose job exposes him or her to human blood[/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]A child who is born to a mother with hepatitis B[/SIZE][/FONT][/LIST][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2][B]What can I do to reduce my risk of getting hepatitis B?[/B] [B] VACCINATION BEFORE EXPOSURE TO HEPATITIS B: [/B]Hepatitis B is preventable through a vaccine. Since the hepatitis D virus can only co-exist (survive) [B][I]with[/I][/B] the hepatitis B virus, getting vaccinated against hepatitis B [B][I]also[/I][/B] protects you against hepatitis D.[/SIZE][/FONT][LIST] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]The hepatitis B vaccine is given in a series of three doses (shots). [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]The first and second shots must be given at least one month apart. [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]The first and third shots must be given at least four months apart. [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]If a shot is missed, it should be given as soon as possible. [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]The series should not be restarted if a shot is missed. [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]HIV can impair (weaken) the body’s response to the hepatitis vaccine. [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]A combination vaccine called TwinrixÒ is available that protects against both hepatitis A and B in persons 18 and older. It reduces the total number of injections (shots) for both vaccines from five to three.[/SIZE][/FONT][/LIST][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2][B]Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for everyone 18 years of age and younger and for adults over 18 who are at risk of infection. [/B](However, anyone can be vaccinated.) Those at high risk include the following:[/SIZE][/FONT][LIST] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Health care professionals [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Clients/staff of institutions for the developmentally disabled [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Sexually active men who have sex with men[/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]People who live with or have sex with chronic hepatitis B carriers [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Travelers to and immigrants from countries with high rates of hepatitis B (high numbers of people who get hepatitis B) [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Sexually active heterosexual men and women, including: [/SIZE][/FONT][LIST] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]those who have been diagnosed with another sexually transmitted disease (STD)[/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]those who have had more than one sex partner in the past six months [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]those who have received treatment in an STD clinic [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]those who are sex workers or prostitutes [/SIZE][/FONT][/LIST] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Injecting and non-injecting drug users [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Hemodialysis (kidney disease) patients [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Recipients of certain blood products (like hemophiliacs) [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Prisoners in long-term correctional facilities.[/SIZE][/FONT][/LIST][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2][B]IMMUNE GLOBULIN (IG) AFTER EXPOSURE TO HEPATITIS B[/B]: If a person comes in contact with hepatitis B and has NOT been vaccinated, they can receive a kind of shot called post-exposure immune globulin (HBIG) and the hepatitis B vaccine to prevent getting sick.[/SIZE][/FONT][LIST] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]For unvaccinated people who have come in contact with the hepatitis B virus, a dose of hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) may prevent illness. [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]The hepatitis B vaccine given with HBIG is also recommended. (Getting the hepatitis B vaccine along [B][I]with[/I][/B] the hepatitis B immune globulin works better than the HBIG alone.) [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Both shots (hepatitis B plus HBIG) should be given within 7 days of coming in contact with the hepatitis B virus. [/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Since 1985, all plasma (blood) units used to make immune globulin have been screened (tested) for HIV. [/SIZE][/FONT][/LIST] [/QUOTE]

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