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I am worried that I may have been exposed to the hepatitis B virus, what should I do?
If you believe that you might have been exposed to the virus, see your doctor. It can be prevented by
getting the hepatitis B vaccine with an additional shot called HBIG (Hepatitis B Immuneglobulin) within 24
hours of exposure. If I have recovered from acute hepatitis B and develop the antibody can I still get it?
No, if you recover from acute hepatitis B, you develop antibodies that protect you from the virus for life.
An antibody is a substance in the blood made by our immune system upon exposure to a virus.
Antibodies protect us by destroying the virus. Unfortunately, some infected people are not able to produce
antibodies to clear the virus from their bodies and carry the virus for life. If I have hepatitis B, can I be a
blood or organ donor? No, if you have ever tested positive for the Hepatitis B virus, it is recommended
that you should not donate blood, organs, or even semen because this can put the recipient at great risk
for getting hepatitis B.
Symptoms
What are the symptoms of acute hepatitis B infection?
Not everyone develops symptoms. Although majority of adults (70%) develop symptoms, many young
children do not. Adults and children over the age of 5 years are more likely to have symptoms.
Symptoms include:
Fever
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Dark urine
Clay-colored bowel movements
Joint pains
Jaundice (yellow color in the skin or the eyes)
Tests
How will I know if I have hepatitis B?
Talk to your doctor about testing for Hepatitis B. Doctors may order one or more blood tests to check if
you:
have acute or chronic infection
have recovered from infection
are immune to hepatitis B
need to be vaccinated
TESTS INTERPRETATION
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) POSITIVE or REACTIVE- A person may have acute
It is a protein on the surface of the virus. It is or chronic infection and may transmit the disease to
detected in the blood of individuals who are others.
infected.
NEGATIVE OR NON-REACTIVE- A person is not
infected.
HBV DNA Indicates the levels of virus in the blood. This test is
used to determine the need for treatment and to
monitor effectiveness or response to treatment
Treatment
How is acute hepatitis B treated?
supportive in the form of rest, adequate nutrition and hydration
hospitalization is needed particularly for those who are unable to eat due to vomiting and lack of
appetite
Some develop signs of liver failure such as disorientation, confusion or even coma needing
urgent hospitalization. These patients may be given antiviral drugs and may need to be evaluated
for a liver transplant.
How is chronic hepatitis B treated?
There are several drugs available. The choice depends on several factors. Ask your doctor what
is the most appropriate drug for you. However, not all patients need to be treated. Patients should
be evaluated by doctors experienced in the management of hepatitis B such as internists,
pediatricians, gastroenterologists, hepatologists, and infectious disease specialists. You can click
on this link to gain access to the Hepatology Society of the Philippines (HSP) website. People
with chronic hepatitis B, even those without symptoms, need long term monitoring for the early
detection of complications in the liver such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.
How can you help keep your liver stay healthy if you have hepatitis B?
People infected with hepatitis B should have regular check-ups with their doctors. Alcohol intake
should be avoided as this can aggravate liver damage. Infected individuals need to consult their
doctor before taking any medications, herbal supplements, and over-the-counter medicines.
Obesity, diabetes and cholesterol problems need to be managed. Patients who do not have
protective antibodies (anti-HAV IgG negative or non-reactive) to hepatitis A should be vaccinated.
Prevention / Vaccination
How can hepatitis B be prevented?
There is a safe and effective vaccine to protect yourself from hepatitis B. The vaccine is given as
a series of 3 shots over a period of 6 months.
It stimulates the body’s immune system to produce antibodies that protect against the virus. In
the Philippines, hepatitis B immunization is included in the Maternal, Newborn, Child Health and
Nutrition (MNCHN) Package of the Department of Health (DOH). Republic Act 10152 (An Act
Providing for Mandatory Basic Immunization Services for Infants and Children) provides free
hepatitis B vaccination and is mandatory to all infants. To increase its effectiveness in preventing
transmission of the virus, the first dose should be given to newborns within the first 24 hours of
life.
For babies born to mothers infected with hepatitis B, an additional shot called HBIG (pre-formed
antibodies against the virus) should also be given shortly after birth.
Who should get vaccinated against hepatitis B?
Because of the high rates of hepatitis B infection in the Philippines, universal vaccination is mandated.
Hepatitis B vaccination is especially recommended for:
All infants, starting with the first dose of the vaccine within 24 hours of birth
All children and adolescents younger than 19 years of age who have not been vaccinated
People whose sexual partners have Hepatitis B
Sexually active persons who have multiple partners
Persons undergoing treatment for sexually transmitted diseases
Men who have sexual contact with other men
People who share needles, syringes, or other drug equipment
People who have close household contact with someone infected
Health care and public safety workers at risk for exposure to blood or blood-contaminated body
fluids on the job
People with end-stage renal disease, including predialysis, hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and
home dialysis patients
Residents and staff of facilities for developmentally disabled persons
People with chronic liver disease (aside from Hepatitis B)
People with HIV infection
Anyone who wishes to be protected from hepatitis B virus infection
All children should get their first dose of the vaccine at birth ( or at least within 24 hrs of birth) and
complete the vaccine series by 6–18 months of age.
All children and adolescents younger than 19 years of age who have not yet received the vaccine
should be vaccinated. "Catch-up" vaccination is recommended for those who were never
vaccinated or those who did not complete the vaccine series.
Adults:
Any adult who wants to be vaccinated should talk to their doctor about getting vaccinated.