PREVENTION

Hepatitis B Vaccine
The best protection for everyone from Hepatitis B is the vaccine.  The cases of hepatitis B have dropped significantly in children and adolescents since the vaccine first began to be used in 1982.  All children from 0- 18 should be vaccinated if they haven’t already been.  If you are in the healthcare or public service business and run the risk of coming in contact with the bodily fluids of others, it is a good idea to get vaccinated.

Protected Sex
The best way to stay safe is to only have sexual intercourse with a known, steady partner (preferably one who has been blood tested).  Anytime you have sex with someone other than a steady partner you should be using latex condoms.  They are not guaranteed to prevent the transmission of HBV, but using them will greatly reduce your risk. 

Blood Tests During Pregnancy
Any woman who is pregnant should have her blood tested for Hepatitis B.  If you are pregnant, you should get a blood test for hepatitis B.  Babies born to infected mothers can be given Hepatitis B immune globulin within 12 hours after their birth to prevent chronic infection. 

Stay Drug Free
Never inject drugs.  If you are in the habit of injecting drugs get yourself into a treatment program right now.  Never share needles or syringes and get yourself vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B right away. 

Safe Tattoos and Body Piercing
If you are going to get a tattoo or body piercing make sure that you have chosen a reputable place.  Ask about their sanitary measures and if anything seems wrong, don’t get it done there.  HBV can be transmitted through any traces of blood or fluids and can remain infective up to seven days outside the body.

IF YOU ALREADY HAVE IT...

A blood test will show whether or not you have become infected with Hepatitis B.  If it comes back positive, your doctor will evaluate you for any liver diseases.  Hepatitis B can dangerously affect liver function.

There is no cure for chronic Hepatitis B (a “cure” would mean the virus is no longer present in the body and the proper antibodies exist to keep it out) but now there are drugs available to help slow or even stop the damage to the liver. 

There are three drugs licensed for the treatment of hepatitis B (though they should not be taken by pregnant women):

• Adefovir Dipivoxil – This is a pill taken once a day for a year or longer.  It is for adults only and possible side effects include kidney damage.
• Alpha interferon – This is a series of shots several times a week for 6 months to a year.  It is available to children and adults and possible side effects include flu-like symptoms or depression.
• Lamivudine – This is a pill taken once a day for a year or longer.  It has no real side effects but sometimes becomes ineffective if the hepatitis virus mutates.   

Drugs should only be prescribed by liver specialists or your primary care physician.  Not all cases of Hepatitis B require the use of medication so be sure to follow your doctors’ advice on treatment options.

Because Hepatitis B affects your liver, drinking while you are infected with the virus can be very dangerous.  Alcohol will put further strain on your already damaged liver.