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Disclosure: How to tell your partner, family, or friends about your hepatitis B or D status: Tips and tricks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Written By: Soumen B., Silvana L., Partizan M. 

Sharing a diagnosis should not be, but often it is, a challenge. At some point it is important to tell your partner, family or friends about your hepatitis B/D status. This is an important moment for you and the people with whom you share your daily life. 

Remember: Your comfort is just as important as the person you choose to talk to. You might be nervous, or you may be worried about what they will think and how they will receive the information you are about to share. You should know that not everyone will understand but you can be prepared with as much information as possible to be sure to set yourself up for success in this conversation. Know that most people do not know about hepatitis B, how it is transmitted or the health problems it causes. But for you, it is a step you should take: to live a normal life, to live honestly and to foster love and sincerity with others. For this, you need to prepare spiritually and emotionally. With preparation, this can be a moment of liberation for you. Remember: you have the right to share exactly as much as you are willing to and nothing more.  

Preparing to disclose your hepatitis B and D status 

Give yourself enough time to understand your emotions and to prepare for the emotions of your loved ones. Before disclosure, it might be helpful to think about the following:  

  • Your readiness: make sure you feel emotionally prepared to talk about your health. Disclose when you feel ready to handle a range of possible reactions.  
  • Their readiness: pick a moment when the other person is likely to be calm, receptive and not distracted or stressed.  
  • Level of trust: assess whether the person is trustworthy, empathetic and respectful of your confidentiality.  
  • Learn about your condition: Understand what hepatitis B/D is, how it is transmitted and how it is managed. This helps you feel more confident when talking to others. 
    • Write down the main things you would like to tell your person: what the disease is, how long you have known, what your condition is and what they can do to check their status.  
    • Read what you have written several times – how do you feel while you are talking? 

Think about why you are sharing this: To protect their health? To ask for their support? Is it about transparency or deepening trust

  • Talk to them and explain what you expect out of the conversation. Maybe you want them to know why you no longer drink alcohol at family gatherings or why you may need more rest than normal. Or maybe you want them to offer you their time and support so that you can talk about your fears. 
  • Choose a calm, private moment when you both have time to talk. 
  • Do not do it under pressure or during an argument. 

 

Now imagine that you are in the role of a listener and your loved one tells you that they have hepatitis B, which you know nothing about.  

  • What would you like to ask them, and to know? Putting yourself in the other person’s shoes will help us to imagine their emotions, fears, denial–these are normal human reactions and they will fade away with the time and the right information given. 
  • Anticipate reactions: Some people may be scared at first, especially due to a lack of information. Be patient. 
  • They may ask you questions that you don’t have an (or don’t want to) answer–be honest and leave that part for another time.   

 

Key points for your conversation: 

  • Share what hepatitis B and D are and how they affect your health. This can help your partner/family better understand the situation and reduce any uncertainties. 
  • Helping your person understand that it is a chronic condition that for some people requires taking a pill a day like so many other chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure, can help “normalize” the disease. 
  • Take the time to explain that a chronic illness does not just depend on the medications you might take, but also on food, exercise, rest and your mental health. 
  • Talk about how this is a shared journey, and that your family members’ or partner’s collaboration will be a key to your success navigating this journey. 
  • How hepatitis B and D Can Be Spread: You can reassure others that there is no risk of transmission in everyday interactions like hugging, sharing food, or casual touch. Hepatitis B and D can spread through contact with blood and other bodily fluids during sexual relations and other blood-to-blood contact. 
  • Emphasize that there is a very safe and effective vaccine for hepatitis B, and prevention is possible. 
  • Check with your local health services to see how they can obtain the vaccine. It may be helpful to give them printed or online materials about the disease or show them a video of patients sharing their stories.   
  • You can live well with proper medical care. 

 

For example, you might say: 

“I want to share something important with you because I trust you and I want to be honest. I was recently diagnosed with hepatitis B (and I also tested positive for hepatitis delta). It’s a virus that affects the liver, but I am under medical care and taking care of myself. I didn’t choose this, but I want you to know because it’s part of my life now.” 

You can also watch this storyteller video, where MD shares her experience disclosing her status to her boyfriend. 

If you are afraid of a negative reaction: 

  • You can say it more neutrally: “I have a liver virus that I am keeping under control with the help of doctors.” 
  • You can ask for the help of a health care professional to clarify the situation for them. 

In everyday reality, the reactions of social groups are different. This is related to various factors such as the level of education, relevant medical information, social relationships and so on. Educational and cultural backgrounds have a significant impact on how individuals and social groups understand and respond to hepatitis B and D.  

  1. Educating your partner or family member
  • Proper education can positively influence people’s attitudes. You should provide as much information as possible when disclosing your status to them. With more information, they may be more open to supporting you rather than perpetuating stigma or having discriminatory attitudes. 
  • By giving them enough information, they can share hepatitis B (and D) information with others, contributing to community education about both diseases, and helping to reduce fear and uncertainty. 
  • Explain to them that this does not have to be a one-time conversation. Reassure them that you are open to talking more about this, so they can ask their questions and start feeling comfortable. 
  1. Cultural Beliefs and Social Norms
  • Be aware and mindful of the cultural background of your partner, or the social norms of your family. This will help you navigate the conversation about your hepatitis B/D. 
  • In many cultures, diseases like hepatitis B and D are associated with taboos. Culture can influence how people perceive these conditions and can create an atmosphere of fear and stigmatization. 
  • In some cultures, there are beliefs that influence how individuals view medical treatment. For example, seeking medical care may be seen as a sign of weakness or an admission of a “problem” that could negatively affect a person’s reputation. This perception may contribute to a negative attitude toward individuals affected by hepatitis B/D. 
  • In some cultures, family and community can provide significant support to individuals with chronic illnesses, such as hepatitis B/D. However, in other cultures, there may be more isolation and limited help, especially if the individual faces stigma. This impacts their emotional well-being and access to treatment. While all of these experiences can happen, know that you are not alone. You can learn more about others experiences through the Hepatitis B Foundation’s storytelling program or connect with others online through the Hep B Community.  

  

These aspects influence knowledge, attitudes, and reactions people may have toward hepatitis B/D. You deserve to be treated with respect and dignity—your life is your own, and no one has the right to diminish that. As you consider sharing your health status, it’s important to reflect on these factors and prepare for the range of responses you might encounter. 

How should you prepare? 

  • Tell those you trust: You do not have to tell everyone. 
  • Focus on facts, not fear: Many people react based on the information they lack, not the facts you know. 
  • Find an ally in the family who can help communicate with others. 
  • Do not blame yourself: It’s not your fault. This is a virus – not a shame. 

 

No matter how the conversation unfolds or what emotions surface, one thing is clear—your loved ones care deeply about your health and well-being. Speaking honestly and from the heart is always a meaningful step. What matters most is choosing the right moment and the words that feel true to you and your experience. 

You can read more about the importance of disclosing your status, and advice for telling your partner or family, in this blog.

About Hepatitis B, CAB Corner, Hepatitis B Awareness, Hepatitis B Diagnosis & Monitoring, Living with Hepatitis B, Relationships

Importance of disclosing your hepatitis B and hepatitis D status

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Written By: Soumen B., Silvana L., Partizan M. 

Thirteen years ago, I experienced a profound shock. My wife was in the third trimester of her pregnancy, and I was eagerly anticipating fatherhood, filled with plans for our future with the baby. As part of routine procedures, we both were asked to undergo various diagnostic tests. One day, the gynecologist unexpectedly called us in for an urgent meeting. I was asked to wait outside while my wife entered the doctor’s office. When she emerged after half an hour, I noticed a deeply worried expression in her eyes. As I greeted her, she responded with a blank stare, as if the world were crashing down around her.  

We returned home in silence, and then she broke down in tears. My wife shared with me that my blood test revealed I was infected with hepatitis B. How could this have entered my body? The doctor told my wife that the disease was terminal and that I might not survive for long. Our world began to crumble. I have always been a respectful and loyal family member with minimal alcohol consumption. How could this happen to me?  

The most challenging part was figuring out how to explain this to my wife… 

After I was diagnosed, I began online research and reached out to a nonprofit organization (Liver Foundation West Bengal). I gathered information about the disease and accessed health support. I then had an open and candid discussion with my wife, free of embellishments. I explained that I was one of millions affected worldwide and that the disease could have been transmitted through less common means, such as unsterile equipment used during a haircut, like razors, at the salon.* She was extremely cooperative and listened patiently. She also helped me confront the stigma and face the reality of the situation. My wife and I looked up more information so that we could learn about hepatitis B. We talked to our doctors to learn about how we can reduce the risk of transmission and maintain our health. My wife made sure to receive the hepatitis B vaccine, and we made certain that our baby received the vaccine immediately after childbirth.  

Later, I took her to meet members of the nonprofit, including experts and other patients, to engage in an open conversation about the disease and its implications. Both my wife and baby are now vaccinated and protected against hepatitis B infection. 

 

* Hepatitis B is highly infectious, and if tools and surfaces are not properly disinfected, it can survive for up to seven days. If you are exposed to hep B from a small wound (like the ones that happen during a short hair cut or shaving with tools that are not sterilized), even the smallest drops of blood from someone living with hepatitis B could cause an infection. Sexual transmission is a primary mode of transmission for hepatitis delta. 

 

Key Questions and Answers from this Story:  

If hepatitis B is sexually transmitted, how come my partner isn’t infected? 

Hepatitis B virus (and hepatitis delta virus) can be sexually transmitted. The virus is present in an infected person’s blood and bodily fluids commonly exchanged during sexual activity, such as semen and vaginal fluids. There are many reasons your partner might not be positive for hepatitis B after sexual activity including: 

  1. Vaccination status: If your partner has received the full schedule of the hepatitis B vaccine, they are likely protected. The vaccine prompts your body to start producing antibodies that neutralize (attack) the virus. This stops hepatitis B from infecting your body. 
  1. Viral load: The amount of hepatitis B in your blood and bodily fluids—known as the viral load—affects transmission risk. A lower viral load reduces the likelihood of transmitting the virus to your unprotected/unvaccinated partner during sexual contact. 
  1. Type of sexual activity: Different sexual practices carry varying levels of risk. Anal sex poses a higher risk due to potential tissue damage and blood contact. Oral sex is considered “less risky” since it is less likely that there will be blood contact. The presence of cuts or sores can increase one’s risk of infection. It is always a good idea to use protection (latex condoms) when engaging in any form of sexual contact. 
  1. Use of protection: Consistent and correct use of condoms significantly reduces the risk of hepatitis B transmission to your partner by preventing direct contact with infectious fluids. While condoms are crucial in reducing the risk of transmitting hepatitis B (and D) during sex, they do not eliminate the risk completely. New condoms must be used every time you and your partner have sex, from start to finish. Latex or polyurethane condoms are most effective; avoid natural skin (lambskin) condoms, as they are not as good at blocking the virus. 

  

For peace of mind and health assurance, you and your partner should consider: 

  • Testing: A blood test can determine if your partner has been exposed to hepatitis B or has developed immunity from a previous infection. If they are not protected, they should start the vaccination series. 
    • If you are living with hepatitis B, it is important to ask your doctor to test you for hepatitis D. 
  • Vaccination: If a person is not already vaccinated, receiving the hepatitis B vaccine is the only way that one can achieve full protection against the virus.  
    • There is no vaccine solely for hepatitis D, but since hepatitis D relies on hepatitis B to survive, the vaccine protects against both viruses. 
  • Discuss your status: If you are starting a new romantic or sexual relationship, you should consider telling your partner about your hepatitis B (or D) status before any sexual encounter. By sharing your status, you not only instill trust in your relationship and build confidence; you and your partner can also take the necessary steps towards reducing your risk of transmitting the virus.  

You can read more about tips and tricks about disclosing your status to family members in this blog

About Hepatitis B, Living with Hepatitis B, Relationships

How Do I Share My Status

Valentine’s Day is February 14th! Today is a day to express your love for family, friends, and your significant other.

When you are living with chronic hepatitis B, starting a loving, romantic, relationship and initiating sex can be fraught with stress and difficult disclosures, before an intimate relationship can even begin.

To begin, living with hepatitis B only makes up a small part of who you are, it doesn’t define you. As guest blogger Lindsey says, “Having HBV is only a small facet of who you are, and not a reason to give up on a loving relationship. A partner who accepts you as you are and wants the best for you is someone who will not see HBV as a barrier to getting to know you.” Someone who genuinely cares about your wellbeing will understand how vulnerable you needed to be to tell them you are living with hepatitis B and react appropriately. And remember, your partner might also have something to disclose to you! So, you should think about how you would respond to them, as well.

Although the most common mode of transmission worldwide is from mother-to-child, hepatitis B can be spread sexually. The hepatitis B virus can be transmitted through sexual fluids like semen and vaginal fluids, in fact, it is 50x-100x more infectious than HIV. It is important to note that hepatitis B is more common than people think, affecting about 300 million people worldwide. Most of the time, people were infected at birth due to exposure to blood from their mother, or at an early age due to an unsafe injection or medical/dental procedures, or even direct contact with blood inadvertently exchanged by an infected caregiver or another child while playing. Since the most common symptoms are no symptoms, most people are completely unaware that they have hepatitis B for decades.

How Do I Tell My Partner I Have Hepatitis B?

So how do you disclose your status to a partner you’re about to get intimate with? This can be a nerve-wracking situation because you don’t know how they will react. Also, when is the right time to tell someone you are living with hepatitis B? Sharing your status is an important step to take. It establishes trust within a relationship dynamic. Disclosing should be relatively the same for people who are seriously dating or casually dating.

  • Firstly, you should know some basics about hepatitis B in case your partner has questions about it. Bring a fact sheet with you to the conversation to share with your partner. This can help them digest more information.
  • Practice the conversation with someone who already knows your status, like a family member or a close friend. Prepare for best and worst scenarios.
  • Choose a meeting place you feel safe and comfortable with. An in-person conversation would be best, but you can always do it over the phone: video calling, calling, or texting are all good options too!
  • Ask them to keep your hepatitis B status confidential! Your health is your health to tell, no one else’s!
  • Give your partner personal space and time to process what you just told them and let them ask questions for clarity.
  • Look after your mental health after you tell your partner.

You might wonder: How do I start this conversation? Here are some conversation starter ideas:

  • Start out on a positive note – “I’m really happy with our relationship…” – sharing your hepatitis B status is something that is positive because it demonstrates trust and respect.
  • You can start talking about hepatitis B to gauge to their reaction and depending on their reaction you can decide to disclose or decide it is not the time or the person to do so.
  • Use this as an opportunity to talk about sexual health in general – it is always a good idea to share sexual health history with potential partners!
  • Be honest and direct: “I am living with hepatitis B, I take medication and manage it. If you have the vaccine you are immune to hepatitis B.”

Once you find someone worthy of your time and energy you want to date, they should consider your health to be an important priority. To reiterate: your hepatitis B status does not define you. You are more than hepatitis B and any person who you should date will know that.

Hepatitis B Advocacy, Living with Hepatitis B, Relationships

Patient Perspective: Living with Chronic Hepatitis B & Fighting it On All Fronts

 

This post is by guest blogger Mariam. Mariam works at a charity cancer hospital and is interested in philosophy. She is currently learning french and enjoys spending time by herself and the mountains. 

When you are first told that you have a chronic disease that is treatable but has no cure, you are suddenly confronted with an enemy on multiple fronts—you have to fight it within your body, inside your mind, your heart and in the outside world. Chronic hepatitis B: nearly 15 million people are living with it in Pakistan. In the world, 292 million people are silently suffering from this , and most are unaware (which is 9 out of 10 people globally). It is a tragedy that 2 out of 3 liver-related deaths are caused by this infection which is preventable and treatable. There are many reasons why this disease is prevalent in a developing country like Pakistan that lacks a proper healthcare system; where there are no pregnancy screenings or an effective mechanism to ensure babies are vaccinated against this. It’s an infection that can be transferred through blood (most commonly from an infected mother to her baby during delivery)  and sexual intercourse and  so it is not difficult to understand how this disease travels from one generation to another, silently. Elimination of viral hepatitis by 2030 is one of the millennium goals of the World Health Organization, but we cannot achieve this without dedicated efforts by all the stakeholders that include health-care professionals, patients, media, and policy-makers. I am primarily interested in sharing the patient’s perspective, in hopes that it will encourage others to fight this epidemic.

A Patient’s Point of View

The fact it’s a chronic illness means you are in for the long haul and you have to be prepared to take care of yourself by regular monitoring/medications (depending on what stage you are at) for the rest of your life. One can argue that’s bad but it’s not a big deal as we have people who suffer from high blood pressure, bad eyesight, or diabetes and they also have to regularly take care of themselves. The problem is that hepatitis B is an infectious disease, a fact that contributes towards stigma surrounding its diagnosis. Suffering from flu makes me feel like a hazard to others. Having an infection that I cannot get rid-off certainly makes me feel bad and, in a way, dirty. I have to be cautious and aware that my blood is hazardous for others and I have to be constantly aware of all the possibilities I can be harmful and ways to prevent it. It’s a progressive disease which can be treated at a certain point, so when you go to follow-up appointments, you feel like a ticking bomb is inside you and you need to be able to identify the period when the bomb goes off so you can treat the damage. Because current hepatitis B medications are most effective when there are signs of liver damage, the treatment is often only given during this phase. The inherent uncertainty makes you hate hepatitis B.

Fighting Discrimination and Stigma

Living in a conservative society, if you are one of the few fortunate ones aware of your diagnosis, how do you deal with it? I kept it to myself because I did not want people to define me through my illness. I did not tell my parents or friends because I did not want them to see me as ill or worse, to pity me. I needed time to process it without having to deal with other’s opinions and judgments. Three years ago, I was diagnosed with hepatitis B during regular pre-employment screening. I did not even know anything about this disease. I had a biopsy to determine the stage of the disease. Then I went to a few follow-ups. Unfortunately, after a while, I stopped because I did not want to think about this illness. I wanted to forget about it so I tucked it away, in the farthest corner of my mind. I did not know many people with whom I felt safe talking about this. Until one day, I was at a fundraising event for a charity cancer hospital where I got the chance to sit with a doctor. He was a stranger and a doctor, so in a way I felt safe telling him why I’m so interested in trying to understand where my country stands in the fight against hepatitis B—I told him I was diagnosed with it. At one point he asked me if I’m on treatment,  and I honestly told him I am supposed to be on follow-up. He said, “What do you mean, supposed to be?” That slight hint of disappointment made me feel I failed in taking care of myself. It’s easier to sound irrational inside your head but when you share it out loud, it does not feel nice. He told me that first, I need to sort out myself before trying to make a difference in the world of hepatitis B. I am grateful for the brief discussion with him which gave me the courage to think about re-scheduling my long overdue follow-up appointment. It gave me the clarity that I wanted to share my story with others in hopes that those who are fighting hepatitis know they are not alone. Sharing my story also helps me feel that I am not alone either.

I feel it is very important to fight the stigma surrounding hepatitis. Only then we will be able to talk about it and bust the myths. Only then we will be able to discuss ways to fight it on the ground. It is common in a conservative society to put a label on you as defective and exclude you from everything. For instance, marriage is still, by large, the union in this culture after which people have sexual intercourse and have kids; both occasions that can be possible causes of transmission of this virus. If, before marriage, a person is aware of their diagnosis, they can ensure that their partner is vaccinated and safe. However, in this society, there is also a prevalent culture of arranged marriage which makes this whole discussion almost impossible because so-called “perfection” is demanded. I wonder if submitting your hepatitis status with a marriage certificate was compulsory, would it help in data collection and early detection of this disease or would it encourage stereotyping. What if it was possible to vaccinate every child who starts school to be vaccinated against hepatitis B? After all, mandatory vaccinations are common in other countries. But what about children who can’t afford to go to a school? Can we link hepatitis B vaccination confirmation mandatory with every birth certification? This works in many other countries that vaccinate every baby born – we need to able to fight hepatitis B with a strong response such as this.

I also have an obsession with trying to understand this virus that is sharing my body. So my brain imagined a story to help understand how the chronic hepatitis B works. There are the good guys (liver cells) and bad guys (virus) who grew up together quite happily. Until one day, the good guys realized that these other guys are not from amongst us, let’s kill them. There is a battle and then there is collateral damage. What I want to understand is, if the bad guys aren’t harming the good guys, then why does the body start fighting them? And what is the purpose of their existence if they are not bad guys by default? Perhaps one day someone will help answer my questions. Until then, I’ll try to focus on the inevitable fight.

 

Living with Hepatitis B, Relationships

Valentine’s Day: Dating, Love, and Hepatitis B

Valentine’s Day is a day of celebration, but it can also bring about worries and stress. Some might feel pressure about buying the right gifts for their loved ones. Maybe you’re wondering if it’s too soon in your relationship to celebrate the holiday. We may not be able to help you figure out what type of candy your partner likes the most, but we can help you navigate the holiday if you or a loved one is living with hepatitis B!

Can my partner and I have sex if one of us is infected and the other is not?

One way that hepatitis B is spread is through unprotected sex. This means that certain precautions need to be taken if your partner is uninfected, has not been vaccinated, or has not completed their vaccine series yet. Precautions include using a condom correctly. Using condoms can also prevent other sexually transmitted infections, like hepatitis C and HIV, that can be harmful to everyone, but especially to those who have chronic hepatitis B. Please keep in mind that certain sexual activities carry higher risks of transmission because of tiny, often microscopic tears in the membrane that may occur and increase the chances of direct blood contact! If you believe your partner has been accidentally exposed, they should contact their doctor or a local physician to begin post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) as soon as possible. PEP can prevent chronic hepatitis B if caught early enough, so it is very important to inform the doctor of a possible exposure soon after it occurs.

If your partner has already completed the 2 dose (where available) or 3 dose vaccine series, there is nothing to worry about! They are not at risk for transmission! The recommended schedule for the three-dose vaccine consists of a dose at 0, 1 and 6 months, and the two-dose adult vaccine is at 0 and 1 month.  Some individuals may be interested in an accelerated vaccine schedule. Please understand that an accelerated schedule entails four shots, not three. The fourth shot would be administered at one year and would provide long term protection. Those that choose a shortened schedule will not have long term protection from hepatitis B if they do not complete the fourth dose. And your partner should have their blood tested 4 weeks after their last vaccine dose to confirm that they are protected.

I’m scared to tell my partner that I have hepatitis B.

It can be intimidating to tell a person something so personal, especially if you are uncertain about how they will react. However, it is extremely important! Even if you are using condoms, it is necessary to let your partner know your status before becoming intimate. Once you tell them, it will be a huge relief!

So, how can you prepare for the conversation?

  1. Research: hepatitis B can be confusing, so it is important that you both are familiar with the infection, including how it is transmitted! Apart from HBF’s website, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has great information and handouts (in multiple languages!) on the infection. Consider printing one or two fact sheets out for your partner to look over.
  2. Take a deep breath: Don’t rush into the conversation. Take a moment to think about what you want to say. This will help you to stay calm and allow the conversation to progress. Remember to let your partner talk as well!
  3. Speak confidently: Don’t let hepatitis B speak for you! Let your partner know what you’ve learned about your infection and inform them that you are regularly visiting the doctor to monitor the infection. Speaking confidently can help keep them calm as well, and assure them that there is nothing to worry about!

If they react badly to the news at first, don’t worry! Everybody processes things at different rates and many people fear what they don’t understand. Try giving them some space and let them think about the information they’ve been given. You can also show them Heng’s #justB video; it tells the story of a man who fell in love and married a woman who is living with chronic hepatitis B and how he still supports her today! Also, remind your partner that hepatitis B is vaccine preventable! Three simple shots can protect them for life and they will never have to worry about the risk of transmission again!

Some people will never react kindly to the news, and that’s okay too! It may be disappointing, but don’t let it keep you down! You deserve someone who will accept and love you for who you are! Your chronic hepatitis B infection does not define you; it is just a small part of who you are.

For Partners of Chronic Hepatitis B Patients:

Valentine’s Day is a  time of love, and what better way is there to show love than by being supportive? If your partner is living with hepatitis B, you can show them you care in small ways! Perhaps it’s skipping the alcohol once in a while when you two go out with friends so they don’t feel alone. You can also try cooking healthy meals with them or exercising together a few times a week. Small gestures can say big things!

Hepatitis B Prevention, Relationships

My partner has been diagnosed with hepatitis B. Can transmission be prevented by vaccination?

Courtesy of Google Images

A hepatitis B diagnosis can be scary and confusing for both you and your loved ones, especially if you are unfamiliar with the virus. Hepatitis B is known to be sexually transmitted, and you may wonder how you can continue your relationship with someone who has been infected. The good news is that hepatitis B is vaccine preventable. This means that after you complete the vaccine series, you cannot contract hepatitis B through any modes of transmission; you are protected for life!

However, it is important to remember that the vaccine will only work if a person has not been previously infected. Therefore, it is necessary to take certain steps after your partner’s diagnosis to protect yourself from becoming infected.

The first step is to visit the doctor and get tested, even if you think that you do not have it. Since hepatitis B often has no symptoms for decades, testing is the only way to know your status. The doctor should perform the Hepatitis B Panel test – a simple blood draw that shows hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb or anti-HBs), and hepatitis B core antibody total (HBcAb or anti-HBc). Looking at these three blood test results together will show if you have a current infection, have recovered from a past infection, or if you need to be protected through vaccination. Once you receive your results, this chart can help you understand what they mean.

Preventing Transmission through Vaccines:

If you test negative for HBsAg, HBsAb, and HBcAb, you are not protected from hepatitis B and are considered to have a high risk of contracting the virus from your partner or other means. To prevent transmission, you will need to begin your vaccination series as soon as possible.

The hepatitis B vaccine is a 3-shot series taken over the span of 6 months. The first shot can be given at any time. The second dose should be given at least one month after the first shot, and the third and final dose should be separated from dose 2 by at least two months and dose 1 by at least 4 months.  While there is a minimum amount of time required between doses, there is no maximum amount of time. If you miss your second or third shot, you do not have to start the series over again; you can pick up where you left off! If your partner is pregnant and was diagnosed with hepatitis B, extra precautions need to be taken to prevent transmission to the child. Two shots will need to be given to the child in the delivery room: the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine and Hepatitis B Immune Globulin (HBIG), if recommended and available in your country.  You can learn more about pregnancy and hepatitis B here.

After completing the series, a quick blood test called the “antibody titer” (anti-HBs titer) test can confirm that you have responded to the vaccine. This test, which should be given at least one month after you receive the third dose, will be greater than 10 mIU/mL if you are protected from hepatitis B. Like the vaccine, your doctor can administer the titer test.

Hepatitis B is spread through direct contact with blood. HBV  is also a sexually transmitted disease, so it is important to practice safe sex by using condoms throughout the duration of the vaccine series until the antibody titer test confirms that you are protected. While you wait for your body to create its defense, there are other steps that you can take to avoid transmission such as not sharing toothbrushes or sharp objects like razors.

The hepatitis B vaccine is the only way to fully protect yourself from the virus. Preventive measures such as using condoms can help prevent hepatitis B transmission, but without vaccination, there can still be some risk.

If you do not have a doctor or are worried about the cost of testing or vaccination, you can still get tested and vaccinated! In the United States, Federally Qualified Health Centers provide the hepatitis B vaccine at low- or no cost to individuals without insurance or with limited plans. You can search for a health center near you here. Internationally, you can search our Physicians Directory and the World Hepatitis Alliance member map to identify member organizations in your country that may have advice on doctors in your area. In addition, keep a lookout out for local health fairs and screenings; they may provide free vaccinations or testing for hepatitis B!

Baruch S. Blumberg Institute