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• Hepatitis B Discrimination in U.S. Medical Schools: What you Should Know

  In 2013, an integral ruling by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) took a major step towards ending one of the many forms of discrimination that hepatitis B patients face. The settlement made it illegal for medical schools to discriminate against students due to their hepatitis B status. Six years later, the words of "Blind Lady Justice" Thomas E. Perez, former Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division, still ring true: “Excluding people with disabilities from higher education based on unfounded fears or incorrect scientific information is unacceptable”. Unfortunately, many medical schools - both nationally and internationally - fail to acknowledge this. Since the court settlement in 2013, we’ve received an increasing number of patient complaints regarding medical school discrimination. Some students completed all of their classes only to be told that they couldn’t participate in their clinical experience (which is a degree requirement) due to their hepatitis B status. Other students have had their acceptance to a school revoked because they tested positive for the infection. Both situations are considered illegal under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). What You Should Know: You are protected by the law: Under Titles II and III of the ADA, it is illegal for entities, including schools, to discriminate against students based upon a disability like a chronic illness. In addition, institutions are required to make arrangements, policies, and procedures when needed in order to ensure that those titles are being followed. You are not a threat: It is important to note that discriminatory policies are often outdated and should be unnecessary - in both schools and the healthcare field - as long as the appropriate procedures and precautions are followed.   The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Recommendations are in your favor: In 2012, the CDC worked with us and a few other organizations to update their

  http://www.hepb.org/blog/hepatitis-b-discrimination-u-s-medical-schools-know/
• National African Immigrant and Refugee HIV & Hepatitis Awareness Day 2018

  The Hepatitis B Foundation (HBF) is joining the Africans for Improved Access (AFIA) program at the Multicultural Aids Coalition (MAC), the Coalition Against Hepatitis for People of African Origin (CHIPO), the New England AIDS Education and Training Center (NEAETC), and the Harvard University Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) in continuing the national fight for federal recognition of National African Immigrant and Refugee HIV and Hepatitis Awareness Day (NAIRAHHA). Founded during one of the African National HIV Alliance’s (ANHA) strategic planning summits, NAIRAHHA Day has been observed annually on September 9th by healthcare professionals, awareness campaigns, and other organizations since 2014. This year,  NAIRHHA Day commemoration began on September 1st. Quotes collected from #justB storytellers, healthcare providers, and health educators are currently being circulated across social media accounts to start a virtual conversation. The hashtags #StigmaCantWin and #NAIRHHADay2018 are being used to organize the discussion and raise awareness on Twitter. The quotes are centered upon addressing stigma and myths surrounding HIV and hepatitis in African immigrant communities. Some quotes remind viewers that despite how it may feel, many reliable HIV and hepatitis B resources are present around the country. Other quotes - like this one from #justB storyteller Bright - offer words of encouragement and support to those who may feel alone. A comprehensive webinar, titled Stigma Can’t Win: HIV and Hep B Among African Immigrants, will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 20 from 3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.  and will complete the commemoration of NAIRHHA Day 2018. You can register for the webinar here. In addition to stigma’s impact on access to care and screening for HIV and hepatitis, viewers will learn about the root causes of these particular stigmas and how prevention-related stigma differs from the stigma of living with a certain disease. These topics are essential to the

  http://www.hepb.org/blog/national-african-immigrant-refugee-hiv-hepatitis-awareness-day-2018/
• May 19 is National Hepatitis Testing Day

  May is Hepatitis Awareness Month and Saturday, May 19this National Hepatitis Testing Day in the United States. This day is an opportunity to increase awareness and testing for both hepatitis B and C. It is also a reminder for health care providers and the public of the importance of testing for viral hepatitis. Why is hepatitis B testing necessary? Hepatitis B is largely asymptomatic, which means that symptoms don’t always occur or are not obvious. Some people will not know that they have hepatitis B until it is too late, or they may learn of their infection from a blood donation screening or lab work.  There are groups of people who have a greater risk of hepatitis B compared to others, so it doesn’t hurt to be sure. here are some places around the world that have an extremely high hepatitis B prevalence (where many people are infected). It is important that people who are at high risk for a hepatitis B infection see a doctor to get tested, to find out if they have a hepatitis B infection. People living with chronic hepatitis B should be monitored regularly and appropriately screened for liver cancer. So, if you find you do have hepatitis B, talk to your doctor about what to do next. Remember, hepatitis B does not discriminate. Don’t wait for symptoms. B sure. B tested. If you do not have hepatitis B, then give yourself lifelong protection with the hepatitis B vaccine. The hepatitis B vaccine is safe and effective. Children or adults can get the 3-shot vaccine series, and there isa newly approved two-dose adult vaccine to protect us against hepatitis B! However, the vaccine doesn’t work if you are already infected. Don’t forget to check out these free, confidential hepatitis screenings this weekend! Check out Hep B United’s resource to find local events in your area. You can also visit the CDC’s website for more ideas on how to increase awareness on National Hepatitis Testing Day, and every day!

  http://www.hepb.org/blog/may-19-national-hepatitis-testing-day/
• #StigmaStops: Can We End Hepatitis B Discrimination

  Around the world, millions of people with chronic hepatitis B face wrenching discrimination that limits their dreams, education, careers, income and personal relationships. Discrimination is unethical, unnecessary and a violation of human rights. Hepatitis B is simply not transmitted through casual contact. The stigma that persists is based on ignorance and it impacts millions around the world daily. The United Nations created Zero Discrimination Day to highlight the negative impact of discrimination and promote tolerance, compassion and peace. Many hepatitis activist organizations, including the Hepatitis B Foundation, used this commemorative day to draw attention to global hepatitis B discrimination. Even though Zero Discrimination Day was on March 1, we still need to recognize the importance of stopping hepatitis B discrimination. Every day is zero discrimination day, and ending discrimination starts with each of us working in any way we can in our communities to end this stigma. No one is to blame for hepatitis B, and people who have hepatitis B deserve the same opportunities to live fulfilling lives – at work, at home and in the community.  . There is a safe and effective vaccine that prevents hepatitis B infection. When people are protected, there is no reason to fear that healthcare workers or hotel maids will spread this infection. Even without vaccination hepatitis B transmission can be avoided with simple prevention measures. Hepatitis B is not transmitted casually. People who have hepatitis B are part of our global community. They are our mothers, brothers, doctors, teachers, spouses and friends. To learn about how the fear of discrimination affects people who have hepatitis B, check out some of our #justB patient stories. Jin’s story tells us how a vibrant young woman handles her fear, and Carolyn’s story shows us the devastating consequences of hiding a hepatitis B diagnosis. It is morally reprehensible that given the tools and knowledge we have

  http://www.hepb.org/blog/stigmastops-can-end-hepatitis-b-discrimination/
• How to Navigate Disclosure, Denial and Drinking with Hepatitis B During the Holidays

  Image courtesy of stockimages at FreeDigitalPhotos.net By Christine Kukka With the holidays come  family reunions and parties that can set the stage for some big emotional challenges for people living with hepatitis B. Do we disclose our hepatitis B to our families or keep quiet? Do we remind relatives to get tested and/or treated, or quietly endure their denial? And, can we resist the host who insists everyone should be drinking alcohol with him? Is this the holiday when we finally tell our parents or siblings about our hepatitis B? First, take your family’s cultural temperature towards hepatitis B. Historically, in many cultures people with hepatitis B were shunned and could not marry, attend college or advance professionally. If your family still holds some of these baseless beliefs, be prepared to do some educating as you try to dispel their fears and prejudices. Come armed with printed information, website addresses and other material to bolster your family-focused public health campaign. If you were infected at birth, you may have family members who are also infected. The most valuable gift you may give them is your disclosure and your education, especially if it leads them to get tested, vaccinated and treated. If you suspect you are the only one in your family who is infected because of a past medical procedures that transmitted the infection, or sexual encounters or injecting drug use, think carefully about disclosing. Are your family members open and accepting? Will they suspend judgement and be supportive? Perhaps you should tell only one or two relatives whom you can trust, or stick to your community of friends. If you have doubts, erring on the side of caution for the time being may be best. Should you encourage family members to get tested, vaccinated or treated? If you know hepatitis B runs in your family, then your parents, uncles, aunts and siblings could also be infected. Should you bring up hepatitis B during dinner and encourage them to be

  http://www.hepb.org/blog/navigate-disclosure-denial-drinking-hepatitis-b-holidays/
• Globally prominent advocate and physician chosen for Hepatitis B Foundation’s 2023 Community Commitment Award

  Su Wang, MD, MPH, who is a practicing physician in New Jersey, is one of the leading voices in the global hepatitis B community.  Doylestown, Pa., Jan. 13, 2022 – The Hepatitis B Foundation, a global nonprofit organization based in Doylestown, Pa., has chosen Su Wang, MD, MPH, FACP, dedicated physician and advocate, to receive the Foundation’s 2023 Community Commitment Award. Dr. Wang is the medical director of Viral Hepatitis Programs and the Center for Asian Health at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, N.J. She is a practicing internist and also living with hepatitis B, having been diagnosed when she donated blood in college. A dedicated advocate to improving awareness, screening and linkage-to-care and treatment for people living with hepatitis B, Dr. Wang is a member of the Hepatitis B Foundation Board of Directors. She is immediate past president of the World Hepatitis Alliance, a patient-led international organization whose mission is to harness the power of people living with viral hepatitis to achieve its elimination. “We have never had another advocate like Su Wang, who merges her clinical expertise with her lived experience to elevate the voices of those most impacted by hepatitis B,” Chari A. Cohen, DrPH, MPH, Hepatitis B Foundation president, said. “She has been leading the global charge to motivate patients, community leaders, clinicians and policy makers to prioritize hepatitis B elimination efforts. Su has a global reach, and a local impact – changing lives for her own patients, her local community and around the world.” Dr. Wang has had remarkable impact in the field of hepatitis B. She has created hepatitis B screening and linkage-to-care initiatives in the Asian and foreign-born communities in New York City and Northern New Jersey. She leads primary care-based hepatitis care programs and advocates for simplification and expansion of treatment guidelines. As a mother herself, she has been passionate about EMTCT (elimination of mother-to-child transmission) and has designed the HepB Moms programs for pregnant women and their infants. She has served on several World Health Organization committees, including for guideline development and for the triple elimination of mother-to-child -transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B.  She amplifies the voice of people living with viral hepatitis and affected communities locally and globally. She was recognized as a Hep B Champion in 2014 by the Hepatitis B United National Coalition, a HepB Hero by the San Francisco Hep B Free in 2020, and as a 2022 Elimination Champion by the Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination. “I am humbled to receive HBF’s 2023 Community Commitment Award,” Dr. Wang said. “I strongly believe that many of my accomplishments would not have been possible without the work that HBF has done in laying the groundwork for hepatitis B. Together, we will continue to be the voice for those living with hepatitis B around the world- many who do not have a voice.” Dr. Wang received her medical degree from the University of Miami School of Medicine and her Master of Public Health from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. After completing internal medicine and pediatric residencies at Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, D.C., she worked for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as an Epidemic Intelligence Service officer based at the FDA. Dr. Wang lives in North Jersey with her husband, Daniel Chen, four children ages 7, 10, 13 and 15, and they have three chickens, one gecko and Sir Charles the cat. The Community Commitment Award is presented annually at the Hepatitis B Foundation Gala, which will be held next on March 10, 2023. The 12 previous recipients include a wide range of advocates including #justB storytellers, dedicated philanthropists and valued advisors to the Foundation.    

  https://www.hepb.org/news-and-events/news-2/globally-prominent-advocate-and-physician-chosen-for-hepatitis-b-foundations-2023-community-commitment-award/
• Hepatitis B and the US Military

  Currently, the Department of Defense (DOD) has policies that can negatively impact military personnel and military students. DOD policies, which do not reflect evidence-based science or current CDC recommendations, can result in inconsistent personnel decisions for service members with hepatitis B, which impede career advancement and make personnel vulnerable to medical evaluation boards and discharge. In addition, DOD policy does not permit enlistees or applicants with hepatitis B to serve in the U.S. Uniformed Services or participate in DOD educational or scholarship programs.   What we are doing: Since 2013, the Hepatitis B Foundation, along with dedicated civil rights advocates, have called for the DOD to update their hepatitis B policies and personnel management instructions to reflect the most current guidelines for hepatitis B management and treatment. Our stance is that having hepatitis B does not impact the ability of military students and personnel to serve, and that military personnel with hepatitis B do not pose a risk to others. This is based upon current scientific evidence and guidelines: Hepatitis B is a vaccine-preventable disease, and hepatitis B vaccination has been mandated since 2002 for all incoming DOD personnel; There is antiviral treatment available, in the form of one pill a day, to manage active hepatitis B infection for those who need it; There are simple blood tests available, and clear guidelines set by CDC, to periodically measure an infected individual’s viral activity, that would permit safe contact between service personnel comparable to a healthcare worker performing CDC-defined invasive, exposure-prone medical procedures. In 2018, the DOD announced a new “Deploy or Discharge” policy, to discharge personnel who are considered non-deployable for more than twelve months – this can include personnel diagnosed with hepatitis B. This policy puts the careers of hundreds of service members with hepatitis B at risk for discharge. Advocates are asking for Congress to pass legislation or include in an appropriate bill a provision requiring DOD to adopt comprehensive, updated, evidence-based hepatitis B policies, instructions and service regulations for applicants, incoming and existing personnel that are consistent with recommendations published by the CDC. Advocates also seek action by Congress to forestall and halt medical or physical evaluation boards and mandatory discharge of military personnel with hepatitis B, pending DOD action to -address deficient HBV policies and guidelines for identification, surveillance, and administration of personnel Infected with hepatitits B.  What do if you are facing discrimination: If you or someone you know has faced hepatitis B-related discrimination in the military, and to learn more about how you can join us and take action, please contact the Hepatitis B Foundation at discrimination@hepb.org or 215-489-4900.  

  https://www.hepb.org/resources-and-support/know-your-rights/us-military/
• Healthy Liver Tips

  People living with chronic hepatitis B infection may or may not need drug treatment. But there are many other things patients can do to protect their liver and improve their health. Below is our list of the top 10 healthy choices that can be started today! Schedule regular visits with your liver specialist or health care provider to stay on top of your health and the health of your liver. Get the Hepatitis A vaccine to protect yourself from another virus that attacks the liver. Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking since both will hurt your liver, which is already being injured by the hepatitis B virus. Talk to your provider before starting any herbal remedies or vitamin supplements because some could interfere with your prescribed hepatitis B drugs or even damage your liver. Read more. Check with your pharmacist about any over-the-counter drugs (e.g. acetaminophen, paracetamol) or non-hepatitis B prescription drugs before taking them to make sure they are safe for your liver since many of these drugs are processed through your liver.  Avoid inhaling fumes from paint, paint thinners, glue, household cleaning products, nail polish removers, and other potentially toxic chemicals that could damage your liver.   Eat a healthy diet of fruit, whole grains, fish and lean meats, and lot of vegetables. “Cruciferous vegetables” in particular -- cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower -- have been shown to help protect the liver against environmental chemicals.  Avoid eating raw or undercooked shellfish (e.g. clams, mussels, oysters, scallops) because they could be contaminated with a bacteria called Vibrio vulnificus, which is very toxic to the liver and could cause a lot of damage. Check for signs of mold on nuts, maize, corn, groundnut, sorghum, and millet before using these foods. Mold is more likely to be a problem if food is stored in damp conditions and not properly sealed. If there is mold, then the food could be contaminated by “aflatoxins,” which are a known risk factor for liver cancer. Reduce your stress levels by eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and getting plenty of rest.  Keep in mind everything you eat, drink, breathe, or absorb through the skin is eventually filtered by the liver. So protect your liver and your health.

  https://www.hepb.org/treatment-and-management/children-with-hepatitis-b/healthy-liver-tips/
• Análisis de sangre para detectar la hepatitis B

  ¿Existe una prueba de sangre para diagnosticar la hepatitis B? Existe una prueba de sangre sencilla para diagnosticar la hepatitis B que su médico o clínica de salud pueden ordenar llamada "serie de pruebas de sangre de la hepatitis B". Esta muestra de sangre se toma en el consultorio del médico. Son 3 las pruebas que conforman la serie de pruebas de sangre. A veces el médico puede pedirle que se realice otro análisis de sangre, seis meses después de su primera consulta, para confirmar el estado de su hepatitis B. Si cree que recientemente se ha infectado con hepatitis B, pueden pasar hasta 9 semanas antes de que el virus se detecte en su sangre. Comprender los resultados de las pruebas de sangre de hepatitis B puede ser confuso, por lo que querrá estar seguro de su diagnóstico. ¿Se infectó de hepatitis B, se recuperó de una infección por hepatitis B o tiene una infección crónica por hepatitis B? Además, es útil si solicita una copia por escrito de sus pruebas de sangre, de modo que pueda comprender completamente cuáles pruebas son positivas o negativas. ¿Cuáles son las tres pruebas que conforman la "serie de pruebas de sangre de la hepatitis B"? La serie de pruebas de sangre de la hepatitis B requiere solo una muestra de sangre, pero incluye tres pruebas necesarias para obtener un diagnóstico final: HBsAg (antígeno de superficie del virus de la hepatitis B) HBsAb o anti-HBs (anticuerpo de superficie del virus de la hepatitis B) HBcAb o anti-HBc (anticuerpo del núcleo del virus de la hepatitis B) ¿Qué es el antígeno de superficie del virus de la hepatitis B (HBsAg)?  Un resultado "positivo" o "reactivo" de la prueba de HBsAg significa que la persona está infectada con el virus de la hepatitis B y puede ser una infección "aguda" o "crónica". Las personas infectadas pueden transmitirles el virus a otras personas a través de su sangre. ¿Qué es el anticuerpo de superficie del virus de la hepatitis B (HBsAb o anti-HBs)? Un resultado "positivo" o "reactivo" de la prueba de HBsAb (o anti-HBs) indica que la persona respondió con éxito a la vacuna contra la hepatitis B o se ha recuperado de una infección aguda por hepatitis B. Este resultado (junto con un resultado de HBsAg negativo) significa que es inmune a (está protegido de) una infección futura por hepatitis B. ¿Qué es el anticuerpo del núcleo del virus de la hepatitis B (HBcAb)? El HBcAb es un anticuerpo que es parte del virus; no ofrece protección.Un resultado "positivo" o "reactivo" de la prueba de HBcAb (o anti-HBc) indica una infección pasada o actual. La interpretación de este resultado depende de los resultados de las otras dos pruebas. Su aparición con el anticuerpo de superficie protector (HBsAb o anti-HBs positivos) indica infección previa y recuperación.En personas con infección crónica, por lo general aparecerá con el virus (HBsAg positivo). Hepatitis B Blood Tests  Is there a blood test for hepatitis B? There is a simple hepatitis B blood test that your doctor or health clinic can order called the “hepatitis B blood panel”. This blood sample can be taken in the doctor’s office. There are 3 common tests that make up this blood panel. Sometimes the doctor may ask to check your blood again six months after your first visit to confirm your hepatitis B status. If you think you have been recently infected with hepatitis B, it can take up to 9 weeks before the virus will be detected in your blood. Understanding your hepatitis B blood test results can be confusing, so you want to be sure about your diagnosis – are you infected with hepatitis B, have you recovered from a hepatitis B infection, or do you have a chronic hepatitis B infection? In addition, it is helpful if you request a written copy of your blood tests so that you fully understand which tests are positive or negative. What three tests make up the "hepatitis B blood panel"? The hepatitis B blood panel requires only one blood sample but includes three tests that are needed to make a final diagnosis: HBsAg (hepatitis B surface antigen) HBsAb or anti-HBs (hepatitis B surface antibody) HBcAb or anti-HBc (hepatitis B core antibody) What is the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)?  A "positive" or “reactive” HBsAg test result means that the person is infected with the hepatitis B virus, which can be an "acute" or a "chronic" infection. Infected people can pass the virus on to others through their blood. What is the hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb or anti-HBs)? A "positive" or “reactive” HBsAb (or anti-HBs) test result indicates that a person has either successfully responded to the hepatitis B vaccine or has recovered from an acute hepatitis B infection. This result (along with a negative HbsAg result) means that you are immune to (protected from) a future hepatitis B infection. What is the hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb)? The HBcAb is an antibody that is part of the virus- it does not provide protection. A "positive" or "reactive" HBcAb (or anti-HBc) test result indicates a past or present infection. The interpretation of this test result depends on the results of the other two tests. Its appearance with the protective surface antibody (positive HBsAb or anti-HBs) indicates prior infection and recovery. For chronically infected persons, it will usually appear with the virus (positive HBsAg).

  https://www.hepb.org/languages/spanish/bloodtests/
• Healthy Liver Tips

  People living with chronic hepatitis B infection may or may not need drug treatment. But there are many other things patients can do to protect their liver and improve their health. Below is our list of the top 10 healthy choices that can be started today! Schedule regular visits with your liver specialist or health care provider to stay on top of your health and the health of your liver. Get the Hepatitis A vaccine to protect yourself from another virus that attacks the liver. Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking since both will hurt your liver, which is already being injured by the hepatitis B virus. Talk to your provider before starting any herbal remedies or vitamin supplements because some could interfere with your prescribed hepatitis B drugs or even damage your liver. Read more. Check with your pharmacist about any over-the-counter drugs (e.g. acetaminophen, paracetamol) or non-hepatitis B prescription drugs before taking them to make sure they are safe for your liver since many of these drugs are processed through your liver.  Avoid inhaling fumes from paint, paint thinners, glue, household cleaning products, nail polish removers, and other potentially toxic chemicals that could damage your liver.   Eat a healthy diet of fruit, whole grains, fish and lean meats, and lot of vegetables. “Cruciferous vegetables” in particular -- cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower -- have been shown to help protect the liver against environmental chemicals.  Limit foods and drinks with added sugars including sodas, fruit juices, desserts, packaged snacks and other foods that contain added sugar.  Limit foods containing saturated fats including fatty cuts of meat and foods fried in oil. Avoid eating raw or undercooked shellfish (e.g. clams, mussels, oysters, scallops) because they could be contaminated with a bacteria called Vibrio vulnificus, which is very toxic to the liver and could cause a lot of damage. Check for signs of mold on nuts, maize, corn, groundnut, sorghum, and millet before using these foods. Mold is more likely to be a problem if food is stored in damp conditions and not properly sealed. If there is mold, then the food could be contaminated by “aflatoxins,” which are a known risk factor for liver cancer. Reduce your stress levels by eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and getting plenty of rest.  Keep in mind everything you eat, drink, breathe, or absorb through the skin is eventually filtered by the liver. So protect your liver and your health.

  https://www.hepb.org/treatment-and-management/adults-with-hepatitis-b/healthy-liver-tips/