ACIP review of the hepatitis B birth dose vaccination remains a grave concern - Please read more here.

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  • New Year’s Resolutions

    Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons The holidays are over and it’s time for a fresh new year- a fresh new start! Have you made your New Year’s resolutions yet? Do you need some suggestions or help creating your list? Here are some ideas! Be healthier. One of the most popular New Year’s resolutions in the US is to be healthier, whether it is to eat healthier, get more exercise, and/or to head over to the gym more often. There are studies that continue to show the importance of exercise, which favorably impacts the health of your liver as well. Although there is no specific diet for chronic hepatitis B, studies show that eating cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower is good for the liver.  Green, leafy vegetables are also good for the liver. All of these veggies tend to naturally protect the liver against chemicals from the environment.  The American Cancer Society’s diet, which includes low fat, low cholesterol, and high fiber foods is a good, general diet to follow.  It is also good to avoid processed foods and foods from "fast food restaurants”. These foods along with too many foods high in saturated fats, and foods or sugary drinks with refined sugars and flours may result in fatty liver disease, which can also harm the liver. When possible, eat whole grains and brown rice. For more suggestions, check out the World Health Organization’s healthy diet and CDC’s tips for staying healthy. See your doctor more often. We encourage those chronically infected to be regularly monitored by a liver specialist, treated when necessary, and to make lifestyle changes that help keep the liver healthy. The most important thing is to find a doctor who is knowledgeable about hepatitis B, who can help manage your infection and check the health of your liver on a regular basis. The doctor will take blood tests, along with a physical examination of the abdominal area and perhaps an ultrasound, to determine the health of the liver. Talk

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/new-years-resolutions/
  • Celebrating the Holidays with Hepatitis B

    Image courtesy of Pixabay The holidays are a joyous time as family and friends gather for parties, dinners and get-togethers. However, they can also be a difficult, stressful time on so many levels, and especially for those who might not yet have disclosed their hepatitis B to loved ones.  You may have been recently diagnosed, or decided this is the year you’re going to let them know about your status. If you’re not there yet, that’s okay, but consider making this the year you choose to disclose. Enjoy and celebrate the holiday cheer, but …alcoholic beverages may be an issue during this time, and it may be tempting to indulge. The most important thing to do is not pick up that drink no matter what! Hepatitis B and alcohol is a dangerous combination. Here are some tips that may help you politely refuse a drink: Practice saying no Prepare a reason for not drinking (i.e., “Sorry, I’m taking mediation and I can’t drink.” or “My stomach is upset and I want to enjoy all this food.”) Leave the event early if you feel uncomfortable. Find others who are not drinking. Choose a non-alcoholic drink – sparkling water with fruit is a healthy option! Volunteer to be the designated driver. You may suddenly find you have many friends! You might want to think long and hard about disclosing your status to coworkers and acquaintances.  Only you know for sure, but family and close friends can become a new source of support for you moving forward. If the holidays inspire you to share your status, you may start with talking about your family’s health history. Even though hepatitis B is not genetic and does not run in families like some other chronic diseases, it is possible that you may have hepatitis B because you were exposed to it from an infected family member, possibly at birth or by accidental household exposure; 90% of babies and 50% of young children who were infected with hepatitis B become chronically infected. It is also important to talk about

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/celebrating-holidays-hepatitis-b/
  • It’s Flu Season! Did you get your shot?

    Flu season is upon us! It usually ranges from the winter into early spring. It’s important that you get your flu shot, especially if you or a family member has a chronic disease such as hepatitis B. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get the flu vaccine every year. Flu viruses change constantly from season to season and can even mutate during a single flu season. It takes 2 weeks for antibodies to develop, so get your flu shot today! There are some people who cannot get the flu shot, including certain age groups, those with health complications, and those with allergies. However, there are still ways people can protect against getting sick. Be sure to wash your hands to prevent the spread of germs. If you feel you are sick, stay home from work or school. While we all know antiviral drugs are effective against the hepatitis B virus, researchers have also developed antivirals that can help us fight the flu once it is confirmed someone are infected. People at high risk of serious flu complications (such as children younger than 2 years, adults 65 and older, pregnant women, and people with chronic hepatitis B) and people who simply get very sick with the flu should talk to their doctor about getting one of three available flu antiviral drugs–oseltamivir, zanamivir, or peramivir. According to CDC, prompt treatment with a flu antiviral can mean the difference between having a mild case versus a very serious one that can potentially land you in the hospital. Treatment with antivirals works best when begun within 48 hours of getting sick, but can still help if administered later during your illness. Antivirals are effective in all age and risk groups. Studies show some doctors do not prescribe antiviral drugs to people at high risk of complications from the flu, so be assertive and ask your doctor for them if you have the flu! It’s time to get your flu shot! It will help you, your family, and

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/flu-season-get-shot/
  • HIV/HBV Co-Infection

    World AIDS Day was last Friday, December 1st. It is a day dedicated to raising awareness about HIV and AIDS. However, it is also a great opportunity to discuss the possibility of coinfection with hepatitis B virus, HBV.  Dr. John Ward, MD, Director, Division of Viral Hepatitis, CDC talks about hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV epidemics in the United States. Hepatitis B (HBV) and HIV/AIDs have similar modes of transmission. They can be transmitted through direct contact with blood, or sexual transmission (both heterosexual and MSM). Unfortunately, people who are high risk for HIV are also at risk for HBV, though hepatitis B is 50-100 times more infectious than HIV. Fortunately hepatitis B is a vaccine preventable disease and the vaccine is recommended for individuals living with chronic HIV. Nearly one third of people who are infected with HIV are also infected with hepatitis B or hepatitis C (HCV).2 To break down the numbers further, about 10% of people with HIV also have hepatitis B, and about  25% of people with HIV also have hepatitis C.2 Liver complications due to HBV and HCV infections have become the most common non-AIDS-related cause of death for people who are HIV-positive.3 Who is at risk of HIV and HBV co-infection? Because both infections have similar transmission routes, injection drug use and unprotected sex (sex without condoms) are risk factors for both infections.4 However, there are additional risk factors for HIV and  for HBV that put people at risk4 It is important that people who are at risk of both diseases are tested! HIV-positive people who are exposed to HBV are more likely to develop a chronic HBV infection and other liver associated complications, such as liver-related morbidity and mortality if they are infected with HBV.1 If a person is co-infected with both HBV and HIV, management of both diseases can be complicated, so a visit to the appropriate specialists is vital.3 Some anti-retrovirals, which are usually prescribed to treat

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/hivhbv-co-infection/
  • Sharing Your Story - Your Family's Story

    Sharing Your Story – Your Family’s Story Image courtesy of Good Free Photos Thanksgiving is not only a day to eat turkey or remind us to remember what we are thankful for; it is also National Family History Day!!1 This holiday can be used an opportunity for families to discuss and record health problems that run through the family, as this helps us live longer and healthier. 1 There are many chronic diseases that may run through multiple generations of a family. 1 Doctors can predict whether or not you could have a chronic disease just by knowing if your parents, grandparents, and other relatives have had it. 1 That is why knowing your family health history is an important and powerful screening tool.1 You can change unhealthy behaviors, reduce your risk of diseases, and know when you should be screened when you learn about what diseases run through your family. 2 Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Hepatitis B is not like other chronic diseases, where if your parents have it, your genes make you more prone to it. Hepatitis B is not genetic. The hepatitis B virus is transmitted through blood and infected body fluids. This can happen through direct blood-to-blood contact, unprotected sex, body piercings or tattooing, intravenous drug use, and as a result of unsafe medical or dental procedures. It can also be transmitted from an hepatitis B positive mother to her baby at birth. Even though hepatitis B is not genetic, you should still include it in your family health history discussion! The most common method of hepatitis B transmission worldwide is from mother-to-child due to the blood exchange that happens during child birth. Pregnant women who are infected with hepatitis B can transmit the virus to their newborns during delivery. 90% of babies exposed to hepatitis B at birth will become chronically infected with hepatitis B, which increases their risk of serious liver disease later in life. Knowing your family’s hepatitis B history can help you figure out

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/sharing-story-familys-story/
  • Landmark vote by CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to recommend universal hepatitis B vaccination

    Doylestown, Nov. 4, 2021 – The Hepatitis B Foundation applauds yesterday’s landmark vote by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to recommend universal hepatitis B vaccination for all adults ages 19 to 59 in the U.S. Adults 60 and older are recommended to follow risk-based guidelines to determine if they should receive the vaccine. The ACIP develops recommendations to guide the use of vaccines in the U.S., which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) then uses to develop childhood and adult immunization schedules. This is a huge win in the fight against hepatitis B, and the Hepatitis B Foundation believes that this simplified, updated recommendation will go a long way towards improving vaccination rates and protecting adults in the U.S. (currently only 30% of U.S. adults are vaccinated). However, it is very disappointing that the recommendation is not as inclusive as it could have been. Data show that many people over age 59 are at risk for hepatitis B infection, and less than 20% of older adults with risk factors are vaccinated. The Hepatitis B Foundation worked hard to help make the ACIP aware of the need for universal hepatitis B vaccination. The Foundation mobilized its team of advocates and supporters to make their voices heard through an online petition, organizational sign-on letter and public comments.   “On behalf of The Hepatitis B Foundation, I want to thank the ACIP for this life-saving recommendation,” said Michaela Jackson, MS, MPH, prevention policy manager at the Hepatitis B Foundation, who led its advocacy effort for universal vaccination. “It has been frustrating to watch rates of infection rise when we know that there is a safe and effective vaccine that can prevent hepatitis B and liver cancer. This recommendation will help remedy a very significant health inequity for marginalized groups and it will serve to make many adults in the U.S. safer. Individuals who are not included in the updated recommendations can still receive the hepatitis B vaccine if they wish.” Until now, U.S. hepatitis B immunization recommendations were based on a person’s risk factors, which was stigmatizing, inefficient and burdensome to providers and patients. Universal vaccination initiatives are widely recognized in helping to reduce morbidity from viruses. The ACIP vote in favor of a recommendation for universal adult hepatitis B vaccination is a significant step towards lowering the rate of adult infection of hepatitis B. What the recommendation means: All adults aged 19-59 can receive the HBV vaccination with no cost-sharing. Those who are 60 and older who wish to receive the hepatitis B vaccine but have no identified risk factors may still have to pay for the vaccine based upon insurance coverage. Financial and other systematic barriers to vaccine access will be eliminated for many adults. Access to the hepatitis B vaccine will increase – more providers will offer the vaccine, and it will be easier to get vaccinated. Health insurance coverage for the vaccine will improve. Progress toward our shared goal of eliminating viral hepatitis in the U.S. by 2030 will accelerate. Health disparities and new hepatitis B infections will be reduced. Why is universal vaccination being recommended now? As many as 60 million Americans spanning 3 generations – Baby Boomers, Gen X, and some Millennials – were born before the guidelines for universal infant vaccination in 1991 and may not be protected against hepatitis B. Many people who have been infected do not have clear risk factors or may not be aware of the risk, and almost 85% of adults in the U.S. fall into a higher-risk group, including those with diabetes and kidney disease. Hepatitis B cases in the U.S. rose by 11% between 2014 and 2018 despite the presence of highly effective vaccines. Hepatitis B is one of the primary causes of liver cancer, one of the deadliest cancers, and it is a completely preventable disease; the need for universal vaccination can no longer be ignored. The Hepatitis B Foundation thanks the ACIP for their recommendation, which will protect Americans from this deadly, and preventable disease. About Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is the most common serious liver infection in the world. It is caused by the hepatitis B virus that attacks and injures the liver. Each year up to 1 million people die from hepatitis B worldwide, even though it is preventable and treatable. Hepatitis B is a “silent epidemic” because most people do not have symptoms when they are newly or chronically infected. Thus, they can unknowingly infect others and continue the spread of hepatitis B. For people who are chronically infected but don’t have any symptoms, their livers are still being silently damaged, which can develop into serious liver disease such as cirrhosis or liver cancer. About the Hepatitis B Foundation: We are the nation’s leading nonprofit organization solely dedicated to finding a cure for hepatitis B and improving the quality of life for those affected worldwide through research, education and patient advocacy. Founded in 1991, the Hepatitis B Foundation is based in Doylestown, Pa., with an office in Washington, D.C. To learn more, go to www.hepb.org and www.hepb30years.org, read our blog at hepb.org/blog, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (@hepbfoundation) or call us at 215-489-4900. To donate, contact Jean Holmes at 215-489-4900 or jean.holmes@hepb.org.

    https://www.hepb.org/news-and-events/news-2/the-cdcs-advisory-committee-on-immunization-practices-acip-voted-to-recommend-universal-hepatitis-b-vaccination/
  • Hepatitis B Foundation to hold its annual Crystal Ball Gala on April 30

    The Gala will celebrate the Foundation’s 30th Anniversary. Doylestown, April 8, 2021 – Our annual Crystal Ball Gala later this month holds a special significance: it is the ceremonial start of the Foundation’s 30th Anniversary celebration. A nonprofit, research-based organization, the Foundation serves people living with hepatitis B, their families and health care providers around the world. It was founded in 1991 by Joan and Tim Block of Doylestown and their friends Janine and Paul Witte. The Wittes had lived in New Hope for many years until Paul passed away in February at the age of 94. The Gala, which is the Foundation’s primary fundraising event, will be held on Friday, April 30, starting at 7:30 p.m. EDT. Like last year, the 30th Anniversary Gala will be an online event, allowing people to participate from the comfort of their homes. Details are posted on hepbgala.org. The event is free of charge, open to the public and registration is not required. Attendees can join live through the Gala website or the Foundation’s Facebook and YouTube pages. “The Gala provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our 30th Anniversary with our many supporters and everyone interested, sharing some of our history and honoring some very deserving people,” Foundation President and Co-Founder, Timothy Block, PhD, said. “Despite the pandemic, the show must go on, and we have an excellent program planned. One of the highlights will be a wonderful video that provides a glimpse of our history and comments from numerous people who made major contributions over the years.” The 2020 Gala also was virtual and the online format made it more accessible than in previous years, Dr. Block noted. The event attracted participants from 14 different states plus viewers from six countries outside of the U.S. The 2021 Gala includes a silent auction with opportunities to bid on a wide range of exciting items, which are now available for previewing at hepbgala.org. This year’s auction, which is sponsored by Arbutus Biopharma Corporation, features a visit to the Adventure Aquarium, four tickets to Busch Gardens in Florida, a one-night stay at Kalahari Resorts and two Spirit Airlines round-trip vouchers. Among other items are a large YETI Tundra cooler, football autographed by Philadelphia Eagles star Brandon Graham, VIP drag racing experience, craft beer basket, FitBit Alta HR Activity Tracker, basket of Bordeaux wine and beautiful, local artwork, including a gift certificate from the Silverman Gallery of Buckingham. The auction will open for bidding on Monday, April 26, at 7 a.m. EDT and will close at 11:45 p.m. on Saturday, May 1. During the Gala, the Hepatitis B Foundation will honor Wenhui Li, PhD, of the National Institute of Biological Sciences in Beijing, with the prestigious Baruch S. Blumberg Prize for Outstanding Contributions to Hepatitis B Research. Dr. Li’s work in identifying the receptors in liver cells that are the key pathway to hepatitis B infection has been a major breakthrough in research toward curing the disease, which affects an estimated 300 million people worldwide. The Foundation will present the 2021 Community Commitment Award to Nadine Shiroma, a long-time policy advisor to the Hepatitis B Foundation. In 2010, she was part of a leadership team that helped define hepatitis B as a protected condition under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). More recently has expanded her advocacy to assist those with hep B in the Asian American and Pacific Islander community and those facing discrimination in the U.S. military. Also during the Gala, the Foundation will present the Milestone Achievement Award to Eric Freedgood on behalf of the Carol & Edmund Blake Foundation in appreciation for its extremely generous support of the Hepatitis B Foundation’s advocacy, patient support programs and research. The Blake Foundation’s cumulative giving surpassed the $1 million mark this year. About Hepatitis B: The number of people living in the United States who have a chronic hepatitis B infection may be as high as 2.4 million, significantly greater than the generally accepted estimate of 2.2 million in 2011, according to a new analysis by a team of public health experts, scientists and physicians including two authors affiliated with the Hepatitis B Foundation. The study examined U.S. data from 2018 and found the majority of those with chronic hepatitis B, nearly 1.5 million, have emigrated from foreign countries. A report on the analysis, “An Updated Assessment of Chronic Hepatitis B Prevalence among Foreign-Born Persons Living in the United States,” is published in the March issue of Hepatology, the journal of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. Worldwide it is estimated that about 300 million people are chronically infected with hep B and each year up to 1 million people die from the disease, despite the fact that it is preventable and treatable.

    https://www.hepb.org/news-and-events/news-2/hepatitis-b-foundation-to-hold-its-annual-crystal-ball-gala-on-april-30/
  • ما هو التهاب الكبد "ب"؟

    What is hepatitis B? Hepatitis B is the world's most common liver infection. It is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), which attacks and injures the liver. It is transmitted through blood, unprotected sex, shared or re-used needles, and from an infected mother to her newborn baby during pregnancy or delivery. Most infected adults are able to get rid of the hepatitis B virus without any problems. However, some adults and most infected babies and children are unable to get rid of the virus and will develop chronic (life-long) infection. The good news is that there is a safe vaccine to prevent a hepatitis B infection and new treatments for those already infected with hepatitis B. How many people are affected by hepatitis B?Worldwide, 2 billion people (1 out of 3 people) have been infected with hepatitis B; and 257 million people are chronically infected (which means they are unable to get rid of the virus). An estimated 700,000 people die each year from hepatitis B and its complications. Why is hepatitis B more common in some parts of the world?Hepatitis B can infect any person of any age or ethnicity, but people from parts of the world where hepatitis B is common, such as Asia, parts of Africa and South America, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East, are at much higher risk for getting infected. Hepatitis B is also common among Americans who were born (or whose parents were born) in these regions. Hepatitis B is more common in certain regions of the world because there are so many more people already infected with hepatitis B in these regions. Although hepatitis B is not an "Asian disease" or an “African disease,” it affects hundreds of millions of people from these regions – so there are more people who can pass the hepatitis B virus on to others. This increases the risk that you could get infected. Since there is a smaller number of Westerners who are infected, this group has a lower risk of infection. In regions where hepatitis B is common, people are usually infected as newborns - from a mother who unknowingly passes the virus to her baby during delivery. Young children are also at risk if they live in close daily contact with an infected family member. Babies and children are more likely to develop a chronic hepatitis B infection because their young immune systems have trouble getting rid of the virus. If you, or your family, is from an area of the map that is darker blue, you might be at greater risk for hepatitis B infection and should talk to a doctor about getting tested.   Why should I be concerned about hepatitis B?Chronic hepatitis B can lead to serious liver disease such as cirrhosis or liver cancer. It's important to get tested because early diagnosis can lead to early treatment which can save your life. Also, people who are infected can spread the virus to others. Since most people don't know they are infected, they are unknowingly spreading it to many other people. If people are not tested, hepatitis B can pass through several generations in one family and throughout the community. One common myth is that hepatitis B can be "inherited" since several generations in one family may be infected. But hepatitis B is NOT a genetic disease -- hepatitis B is caused by a virus, which is often transmitted among family members due to mother-to-child transmission or accidental household exposure to blood. Families can break the cycle of hepatitis B infection by getting tested, vaccinated and treated. Why is hepatitis B so dangerous?Hepatitis B is dangerous because it is a “silent infection” that can infect people without them knowing it. Most people who are infected with hepatitis B are unaware of their infection and can unknowingly pass the virus to others through their blood and infected bodily fluids. For those who become chronically infected, there is an increased risk of developing liver failure, cirrhosis and/or liver cancer later in life. The virus can quietly and continuously attack the liver over many years without being detected. What is acute hepatitis B?An acute hepatitis B infection may last up to six months (with or without symptoms) and infected persons are able to pass the virus to others during this time. Symptoms of an acute infection may include loss of appetite, joint and muscle pain, low-grade fever, and possible stomach pain. Although most people do not experience symptoms, they can appear 60-150 days after infection, with the average being 3 months. Some people may experience more severe symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin), or a bloated stomach that may cause them to see a health care provider. A simple blood test can tell a person if the hepatitis B virus is in their blood. If you have been diagnosed with acute hepatitis B, the doctor will need to test your blood again in 6 months to figure out if you have recovered, or if you have developed a chronic hepatitis B infection. Until your health care provider confirms that your blood test shows that there is no more hepatitis B virus in your blood, it is important to protect others from a possible infection. It is also important to have your sexual partner(s) and family members (or those you live in close household contact with) tested for hepatitis B. If they have not been infected – and have not received the hepatitis B vaccine – then they should start the hepatitis B vaccine series. People who have acute hepatitis B are not prescribed specific hepatitis B treatment – there is no treatment that will get rid of an acute hepatitis B infection, and most people infected as adults recover on their own. Sometimes, a person with severe symptoms may be hospitalized for general support. Rest and managing symptoms are the primary goals of this medical care. A rare, life-threatening condition called “fulminant hepatitis” can occur with a new acute infection and requires immediate, urgent medical attention since a person can go into sudden liver failure. Simple tips for taking care of your liver during an acute hepatitis B infection are to avoid alcohol, stop or limit smoking, eat healthy foods, avoid greasy or fatty foods, and talk to your health care provider about any medications you are taking (prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins or herbal supplements) to make sure they are safe for your liver. This is a good time to ask any other questions you may have. The use of vitamins and liver health supplements will likely not assist your recovery and may actually cause more harm than good to the liver. Be sure to follow-up with your health care provider for any additional blood tests that are needed to confirm your recovery from an acute infection. What is chronic hepatitis B?People who test positive for the hepatitis B virus for more than six months (after their first blood test result) are diagnosed as having a chronic infection. This means their immune system was not able to get rid of the hepatitis B virus and it still remains in their blood and liver. There are effective ways to treat and manage a chronic infection, but there is no cure. If you are chronically infected, the virus will likely remain in your blood for the rest of your life. People who have chronic hepatitis B can unknowingly pass the virus on to others. Chronic hepatitis B can also lead to serious liver diseases, such as cirrhosis or liver cancer. Not every person who is chronically infected will develop serious liver disease. However, they have a greater chance than someone who is not infected. The risk of developing a chronic hepatitis B infection is related to the age at which one first becomes infected with the hepatitis B virus: 90% of infected newborns and babies will develop a chronic hepatitis B infection Up to 50% of infected children (1-5 years) will develop a chronic hepatitis B infection 5-10% of infected adults will develop a chronic hepatitis B infection (that is, 90% will recover) Learning that you have a chronic hepatitis B infection can be very upsetting. Because most people do not have symptoms and can be diagnosed decades after their initial exposure to the hepatitis B virus, it can be a shock and a surprise to be diagnosed with a chronic hepatitis B infection. The good news is that most people with chronic hepatitis B should expect to live a long and healthy life. Infected pregnant women can pass the virus to their newborns during childbirth. Therefore, since the risk of newborns becoming chronically infected at birth is high, both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that all infants receive the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine within 12-24 hours after birth. If you are pregnant and you know that you are infected, you can make sure that your baby gets the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine within 12-24 hours after delivery! While there is no cure for chronic hepatitis B infection, there are effective drug therapies that can control the hepatitis B virus and stop it from damaging the liver. There are also promising new drugs in the research phase that could provide a cure in the very near future. Although the risk of developing a serious liver disease or liver cancer is higher for those living with chronic hepatitis B than those who are not infected, there are still many simple things a person can do to help reduce their risk. Schedule regular visits every six months (or at least every year) with a liver specialist or a health care provider who is knowledgeable about hepatitis B so they can monitor the health of your liver. Talk to your health care provider about whether treatment for your chronic hepatitis B infection would be helpful in preventing serious liver disease or liver cancer. Make sure that your health care provider screens you for liver cancer during your regular visits since early detection equals more treatment options and a longer life. Avoid or limit alcohol and smoking since both cause a lot of stress to your liver. Eat a healthy diet with lots of vegetables since fried, greasy foods are hard on your liver. What does it mean to be a “chronic carrier”?When someone has a chronic hepatitis B infection, their doctor may refer to them as being a “chronic carrier.” Being a “chronic carrier” means that you have a chronic hepatitis B infection, can pass the virus on to others, and you should be managed by a doctor for your infection. Is there a cure for hepatitis B?Most adults will recover from an acute infection on their own without the need for medication. For adults, children and infants who develop a chronic hepatitis B infection, there is currently no cure. But the good news is there are treatments that can help slow the progression of liver disease in chronically infected persons by slowing down the virus. If there is less hepatitis B virus being produced, then there is less damage being done to the liver. With all of the new exciting research, there is great hope that a cure will be found for chronic hepatitis B in the near future. Visit our Drug Watch for a list of other promising drugs in development. What options are there to treat my hepatitis B?For an acute infection, there is generally no treatment other than rest and supportive measures to manage any symptoms. For chronic hepatitis B, there are several treatments available. It is important to understand that not everyone with chronic hepatitis B needs treatment. Your doctor will help you decide if you need medication or if you can wait and monitor your condition. There are several antiviral medications that slow down or stop the hepatitis B virus from replicating, which reduces the inflammation and damage to the liver. These antivirals are taken as a pill once a day for at least 1 year, usually longer. There are 6 U.S. FDA approved antivirals, but only three “first-line” antivirals are recommended: tenofovir disoproxil (Viread/TDF), tenofovir alafenamide (Vemlidy/TAF) and entecavir (Baraclude). First-line antivirals are recommended because they are safer and most effective. For people who do not respond to, or have access to, the first-line antiviral treatments, other options are available: telbivudine (Tyzeka, Sebivo), adefovir dipivoxil (Hepsera), and lamivudine (Epivir-HBV, Zeffix, Heptodin). Although the FDA has approved these antivirals for chronic hepatitis B, they do not provide a complete cure. They can, however, greatly decrease the risk of developing liver damage and liver cancer. Antivirals are not meant to be stopped and started, which is why a thorough evaluation by a knowledgeable doctor is so important before beginning treatment for chronic hepatitis B. There are also immunomodulator drugs that boost the immune system to help control the hepatitis B virus. They are given as injections over 6 months to 1 year. The most commonly prescribed include interferon alfa-2b (Intron A) and pegylated interferon (Pegasys). You and your doctor will need to discuss the treatment options before deciding which one, if any, is best for you. For many people, these medications will decrease or stop the hepatitis B virus. This results in patients feeling better within a few months because liver damage from the virus is slowed down, or even reversed in some cases, when taken long-term. For a complete list of FDA approved drugs and other promising drugs in development for hepatitis B, visit our Drug Watch. ما هو التهاب الكبد "ب"؟ التهاب الكبد "ب" هو أكثر أنواع العدوى التي تصيب الكبد شيوعًا في العالم، وينتج عن فيروس التهاب الكبد "ب" (HBV)، الذي يهاجم الكبد ويؤذيه. ينتقل الفيروس عن طريق الدم، أو ممارسة الجنس دون وقاية، أو مشاركة استخدام الإبر أو إعادة استخدامها، ومن الأم المصابة إلى طفلها أثناء الحمل أو الولادة. ويستطيع معظم البالغين المصابين بفيروس التهاب الكبد "ب" التعافي من الفيروس دون أي مشاكل. ومع ذلك، فإن بعض البالغين ومعظم الرضع والأطفال المصابين لا يستطيعون التعافي من الفيروس وسيصابون بعدوى مزمنة (مدى الحياة). والخبر السار هو أن هناك لقاحًا آمنًا للوقاية من عدوى التهاب الكبد "ب" وتتوفر أيضًا علاجات جديدة للمصابين بالفعل بالتهاب الكبد "ب".  كم عدد الأشخاص المصابين بفيروس التهاب الكبد "ب"؟ يبلغ عدد مصابي التهاب الكبد "ب" 2 مليار شخص (1 من كل 3 أشخاص) في جميع أنحاء العالم؛ كما أصيب 257 مليون شخص بعدوى مزمنة (مما يعني أنهم غير قادرين على التعافي من الفيروس). وتشير التقديرات إلى أن هناك 700000 شخص يموتون كل عام بسبب التهاب الكبد "ب" ومضاعفاته. لماذا يُعد التهاب الكبد "ب" أكثر شيوعًا في بعض أنحاء العالم؟ يمكن أن يصيب التهاب الكبد "ب" أي شخص في أي عُمر أو من أي عِرق، ولكن الأشخاص من مناطق معينة من العالم التي يكون فيها التهاب الكبد "ب" شائعًا، مثل آسيا وأجزاء من إفريقيا وأمريكا الجنوبية وأوروبا الشرقية والشرق الأوسط، هم أكثر عرضة للإصابة بهذا المرض. التهاب الكبد "ب" شائع أيضًا بين الأمريكيين الذين ولدوا في هذه المناطق (أو ولد آباؤهم أو أمهاتهم فيها).  يُعد التهاب الكبد "ب" أكثر شيوعًا في مناطق معينة من العالم نظرًا لوجود عدد أكبر من الأشخاص المصابين بالفعل بهذا الفيروس في هذه المناطق. وعلى الرغم من أن التهاب الكبد "ب" ليس "مرضًا آسيويًا" أو "مرضًا إفريقيًا" في الأصل، إلا أنه يؤثر على مئات الملايين من الأشخاص في هذه المناطق - حيث إن هناك المزيد من الأشخاص الذين يمكنهم نقل فيروس التهاب الكبد "ب" إلى الآخرين. وهذا يزيد من خطر الإصابة بالعدوى. ونظرًا لأن عدد الغربيين المصابين بهذا المرض أقل، فإن تعرضهم لخطر الإصابة بهذا الفيروس أقل.  وفي المناطق التي ينتشر فيها الالتهاب الكبدي "ب"، عادةً ما يصاب الأشخاص بالعدوى مثل حديثي الولادة - من الأم التي تنقل الفيروس دون علم إلى طفلها أثناء الولادة. كما أن الأطفال الصغار معرضون لخطر الإصابة إذا كانوا يعيشون بالقرب من أحد أفراد الأسرة المصابين ويتعاملون معه عن قرب أيضًا. ومن المرجح أن يتعرض الرضع والأطفال للإصابة بعدوى مزمنة من التهاب الكبد "ب" لأن أجهزتهم المناعية الصغيرة تواجه صعوبة في التعافي من الفيروس. إذا كنت أنت أو عائلتك من منطقة محددة باللون الأزرق الداكن على الخريطة، فقد تكون أكثر عرضة للإصابة بالتهاب الكبد "ب" ويجب عليك التحدث مع الطبيب بشأن إجراء الفحص. لماذا ينبغي أن أكون حذرًا بشأن التهاب الكبد "ب"؟يمكن أن يؤدي التهاب الكبد "ب" المزمن إلى أمراض الكبد الخطيرة مثل تليف الكبد أو سرطان الكبد. من المهم إجراء الفحص لأن التشخيص المبكر يمكن أن يؤدي إلى علاج مبكر يمكن أن ينقذ حياتك. ويمكن أيضًا للأشخاص المصابين نقل الفيروس إلى الآخرين. وبما أن معظم الأشخاص لا يعرفون أنهم مصابون به، فهم ينقلون العدوى إلى العديد من الأشخاص الآخرين دون علم. إذا لم يخضع الأشخاص للفحص، يمكن أن ينتقل التهاب الكبد "ب" عبر عدة أجيال في عائلة واحدة وفي جميع أنحاء المجتمع. تنتشر بعض المعتقدات التي تقول إن التهاب الكبد "ب" قد يكون "وراثيًا" بسبب إصابة عدة أجيال في عائلة واحدة. ولكن التهاب الكبد "ب" "ليس" مرضًا وراثيًا - بل ينتج عن العدوى بفيروس، والذي ينتقل غالبًا بين أفراد الأسرة بسبب انتقاله من الأم إلى الطفل أو الملامسة غير المقصودة لدم أحد أفراد الأسرة المصاب بالفيروس. ويمكن للعائلات كسر حلقة الإصابة بعدوى التهاب الكبد "ب" من خلال إجراء الفحوصات واللقاح والعلاج. لماذا يُعد التهاب الكبد "ب" خطيرًا للغاية؟ يُعد التهاب الكبد "ب" خطيرًا لأنه "عدوى صامتة" يمكن أن تصيب الأشخاص دون معرفتهم. ومعظم المصابين بالتهاب الكبد "ب" لا يدركون إصابتهم بالمرض ويمكنهم نقل الفيروس إلى آخرين دون علم من خلال الدم وسوائل الجسم المتضمنة للإصابة. بالنسبة للمصابين بعدوى مزمنة، فهناك خطر متزايد يتمثل في حدوث فشل في الكبد و/أو تليف الكبد و/أو سرطان الكبد في مرحلة لاحقة من حياتهم. ويمكن للفيروس مهاجمة الكبد على نحو بسيط ومستمر على مدى سنوات عديدة دون أن يتم اكتشافه.  ما هو التهاب الكبد "ب" الحاد؟ قد تستمر عدوى التهاب الكبد "ب" الحاد لمدة تصل إلى ستة أشهر (مع ظهور أعراض أو بدون أعراض)، ويمكن للأشخاص المصابين نقل الفيروس إلى الآخرين خلال هذه المدة.  قد تتضمن أعراض الإصابة الحادة فقدان الشهية وألم المفاصل والعضلات وحمى خفيفة وألمًا محتملاً في المعدة. وعلى الرغم من أن معظم الأشخاص لا يعانون من أعراض، إلا أنها قد تظهر بعد حوالي 60 إلى 150 يومًا من الإصابة، بمتوسط 3 أشهر. وقد يعاني بعض الأشخاص من أعراض أكثر حدة مثل الغثيان أو القيء أو اليرقان (اصفرار العينين والجلد) أو انتفاخ المعدة الذي قد يتطلب الرجوع إلى مقدم الرعاية الصحية. ويمكن لاختبار الدم البسيط تحديد ما إذا كان فيروس التهاب الكبد "ب" موجودًا في دم الشخص أم لا. إذا تم تشخيص إصابتك بالتهاب الكبد "ب" الحاد، فسيحتاج الطبيب إلى فحص دمك مرة أخرى في غضون 6 أشهر لمعرفة ما إذا كنت قد تعافيت، أو إذا أصبت بعدوى مزمنة بالتهاب الكبد "ب" أم لا. ومن الضروري حماية الآخرين من العدوى المحتملة، حتى يؤكد مقدم الرعاية الصحية المتابع لحالتك أن اختبار الدم يُظهر أنه لم يعد هناك فيروس التهاب الكبد "ب" في دمك. ومن المهم أيضًا فحص الزوج أو الزوجة وأفراد أسرتك (أو أولئك الذين تكون على اتصال وثيق معهم) للكشف عن التهاب الكبد "ب". وفي حالة عدم إصابتهم وعدم تلقي لقاح التهاب الكبد "ب" - يجب بدء سلسلة اللقاح بلقاح التهاب الكبد "ب". لا يتم وصف علاج محدد للأشخاص المصابين بالتهاب الكبد "ب" الحاد – حيث إنه لا يوجد علاج للتعافي من التهاب الكبد "ب" الحاد، ويتعافى معظم الأشخاص البالغين المصابين بالعدوى بمفردهم. وفي بعض الأحيان، قد يتم نقل شخص يعاني من أعراض حادة إلى المستشفى لتلقي الدعم العام. وتُعد الراحة ومعالجة الأعراض هي الأهداف الأساسية لهذه الرعاية الطبية. وقد تحدث حالة نادرة ومهددة للحياة تسمى "التهاب الكبد الخاطف" مع عدوى حادة جديدة، وتتطلب عناية طبية فورية وعاجلة، إذ يمكن أن يصاب المريض بفشل كبدي مفاجئ. من النصائح البسيطة التي يجب اتباعها لرعاية الكبد أثناء الإصابة بعدوى التهاب الكبد "ب" الحادة: تجنب تناول الكحول، والإقلاع عن التدخين أو الحد منه، وتناول الأطعمة الصحية، وتجنب الأطعمة الدسمة أو الدهنية، والتحدث إلى مقدم الرعاية الصحية المتابع لحالتك عن أي أدوية تتناولها (الوصفات الطبية أو الأدوية التي لا تحتاج إلى وصفة طبية أو الفيتامينات أو المكملات العشبية) للتأكد من أنها آمنة للكبد. هذا هو الوقت المناسب لطرح أي أسئلة أخرى قد تكون لديك. من المرجح ألا يساعد استخدام الفيتامينات والمكملات الغذائية لصحة الكبد على التعافي، وقد يسبب ذلك ضررًا أكثر من نفعها للكبد. تأكد من المتابعة مع مقدم الرعاية الصحية لإجراء أي اختبارات دم إضافية مطلوبة لتأكيد تعافيك التام من الإصابة الحادة.   ما هو التهاب الكبد "ب" المزمن؟ يتم تشخيص حالة الأشخاص الذين ثبتت إصابتهم بفيروس التهاب الكبد "ب" لأكثر من ستة أشهر (بعد نتيجة اختبار الدم الأولى) على أنهم مصابون بعدوى مزمنة. وهذا يعني أن جهازهم المناعي لم يكن قادرًا على التعافي من فيروس التهاب الكبد "ب" ولا يزال الفيروس موجودًا في الدم والكبد. وتتوفر طرق فعالة للتحكم في حالة العدوى المزمنة والتعامل معها، ولكن لا يوجد علاج نهائي لها. فإذا كنت مصابًا بعدوى مزمنة، فمن المحتمل أن يظل الفيروس في دمك طوال حياتك. ويمكن للأشخاص الذين يعانون من التهاب الكبد "ب" المزمن نقل الفيروس إلى الآخرين دون علم. يمكن أن يؤدي التهاب الكبد "ب" المزمن أيضًا إلى أمراض الكبد الخطيرة مثل تليف الكبد أو سرطان الكبد. لن تحدث لكل شخص مصاب بالعدوى المزمنة مضاعفات خطيرة في الكبد. ولكن احتمالات إصابتهم أكبر من الشخص غير المصاب. يرتبط خطر الإصابة بالتهاب الكبد "ب" المزمن بالعمر الذي يصاب فيه الشخص أول مرة بفيروس التهاب الكبد "ب": تتفاقم حالة 90% من حديثي الولادة والأطفال الصغار المصابين بالفيروس إلى عدوى التهاب الكبد "ب" المزمن.تتفاقم حالة ما يصل إلى 50% من الأطفال المصابين (1-5 سنوات) إلى عدوى التهاب الكبد "ب" المزمنتتفاقم حالة 5-10% من البالغين المصابين إلى عدوى التهاب الكبد "ب" المزمن (أي أن 90% سيتعافون) قد تكون معرفة أنك مصاب بعدوى التهاب الكبد "ب" المزمن مُحزنة للغاية. ولأن معظم الأشخاص لا يعانون من أي أعراض ويمكن تشخيصهم بعد عقود من إصابتهم الأولي لفيروس التهاب الكبد "ب"، فقد يكون من المفاجئ أن يتم تشخيص الإصابة بعدوى التهاب الكبد "ب" المزمن. ومن الأنباء السارة أن معظم المصابين بالتهاب الكبد "ب" المزمن يجب أن يتوقعوا أن يعيشوا حياة طويلة وصحية. يمكن للنساء الحوامل المصابات نقل الفيروس إلى أطفالهن حديثي الولادة أثناء الولادة. ولذلك، بما أن خطر إصابة الأطفال حديثي الولادة بالعدوى المزمنة مرتفع، توصي كل من منظمة الصحة العالمية (WHO) والمركز الأمريكي لمكافحة الأمراض والوقاية منها (CDC) بأن يتلقى جميع الأطفال الجرعة الأولى من لقاح التهاب الكبد "ب" في غضون 12-24 ساعة بعد الولادة. إذا كنتِ حاملاً وتعلمين أنكِ مصابة، يمكنك التأكد من حصول طفلك على الجرعة الأولى من لقاح التهاب الكبد "ب" في غضون 12-24 ساعة بعد الولادة! وعلى الرغم من عدم توفر علاج نهائي لالتهاب الكبد "ب" المزمن، فتتوفر علاجات دوائية فعالة يمكنها السيطرة على فيروس التهاب الكبد "ب" ومنعه من إتلاف الكبد. وتتوفر أيضًا أدوية جديدة واعدة في مرحلة البحث قد توفر علاجًا في المستقبل القريب. وعلى الرغم من أن خطر الإصابة بمرض كبدي خطير أو سرطان الكبد أعلى بالنسبة لأولئك الذين يعانون من التهاب الكبد "ب" المزمن من الذين لم يصابوا به، فهناك العديد من الأشياء البسيطة التي يمكن للشخص القيام بها للمساعدة في تقليل خطر الإصابة به. حدد مواعيد زيارات منتظمة كل ستة أشهر (أو كل عام على الأقل) مع أخصائي الكبد أو مقدم الرعاية الصحية الملمّ بما يتعلق بالتهاب الكبد "ب" حتى يتمكن من مراقبة صحة الكبد لديك. تحدث مع مقدم الرعاية الصحية المتابع لك بشأن ما إذا كان الحصول على علاج للعدوى المصاب بها من التهاب الكبد "ب" المزمن سيكون مفيدًا في الوقاية من أمراض الكبد الخطيرة أو سرطان الكبد. تأكد أن مقدم الرعاية الصحية المتابع لك يجري فحصًا لك للكشف عن سرطان الكبد أثناء الزيارات المنتظمة، حيث إن الاكتشاف المبكر يوفر المزيد من خيارات العلاج وتقليل احتمالات المضاعفات والوفاة. تجنب تناول الكحول والتدخين، حيث إن كليهما يسبب الكثير من الإجهاد على كبدك. اتبع نظامًا غذائيًا صحيًا يحتوي على الكثير من الخضراوات لأن الأطعمة المقلية والدهنية تكون ثقيلة على كبدك.   ماذا يُقصد بـ"حامل العدوى المزمنة"؟ عندما يصاب الشخص بعدوى من التهاب الكبد "ب" المزمن، فقد يشير الطبيب إلى أنه "حامل عدوى مزمنة". وكونك "حامل عدوى مزمنة" يعني إصابتك بعدوى من التهاب الكبد "ب" المزمن، ويمكنك نقل الفيروس إلى الآخرين، ويجب أن يقوم طبيب بمتابعة حالة إصابتك بالعدوى.    هل يوجد علاج لالتهاب الكبد "ب"؟ سيتعافى معظم البالغين من العدوى الحادة المصابين بها بمفردهم دون الحاجة إلى تناول الأدوية. لا يوجد علاج حاليًا للبالغين والأطفال والرضع الذين يصابون بعدوى من التهاب الكبد "ب" المزمن. ولكن الخبر السار هو أن هناك علاجات يمكن أن تساعد في تقليل سرعة تفاقم مرض الكبد عند المصابين بعدوى مزمنة من خلال إبطاء تأثير الفيروس. إذا كان هناك انتشار أقل لفيروس التهاب الكبد "ب"، فسيقع ضرر أقل على الكبد.  وبوجود كل تلك الأبحاث الجديدة المثيرة للاهتمام، هناك أمل كبير في العثور على علاج لالتهاب الكبد "ب" المزمن في المستقبل القريب. يُرجى زيارة قسم Drug Watch (قائمة الأدوية الخاضعة للمراقبة) للاطلاع على قائمة بالأدوية الواعدة قيد التطوير. ما الخيارات المتاحة لعلاج التهاب الكبد "ب"؟ فيما يتعلق بالعدوى الحادة، لا يتوفر علاج بشكل عام سوى الراحة والتدابير الداعمة للتحكم في أي أعراض. أما في حالة التهاب الكبد "ب" المزمن، فيتوفر العديد من العلاجات. من المهم فهم أنه ليس كل مصاب بالتهاب الكبد "ب" المزمن يحتاج إلى علاج. سيساعدك الطبيب على تحديد ما إذا كنت بحاجة إلى دواء أو إذا كان بإمكانك الانتظار ومتابعة حالتك.  يتوفر العديد من الأدوية المضادة للفيروسات التي تبطئ تكاثر فيروس التهاب الكبد "ب" أو توقفه، مما يقلل من التهاب الكبد وتليفه. تؤخذ هذه الأدوية المضادة للفيروسات على هيئة حبة مرة واحدة في اليوم لمدة سنة على الأقل، بل وعادةً ما يكون ذلك لمدة أطول. تتوفر 6 مضادات للفيروسات معتمدة من قِبل إدارة الغذاء والدواء الأمريكية (FDA)، ولكن يُنصح باستخدام ثلاثة فقط من "الخيارات الأولى" من مضادات الفيروسات: تينوفوفير ديسوبروكسيل (فيريد/TDF)، تينوفوفير ألفيناميد (فيمليدي/TAF)، إينتيكافير (باراكلود). يُوصى باستخدام الخيارات الأولى من مضادات الفيروسات لأنها أكثر أمانًا وفاعلية. وفيما يتعلق بالأشخاص الذين لا يستجيبون للخيارات الأولى من العلاجات المضادة للفيروسات أو الذين ليست لديهم إمكانية الوصول إليها، تتوفر خيارات أخرى: تيلبيفودين (تايزيكا، سيبيفو)، أديفوفير ديبيفوكسيل (هيبسيرا)، لاميفودين (إيبيفير-HBV، زيفيكس، هيبتودين).   وعلى الرغم من اعتماد إدارة الغذاء والدواء الأمريكية لهذه المضادات الفيروسية لعلاج التهاب الكبد "ب" المزمن، إلا أنها لا توفر علاجًا كاملاً. ومع ذلك، يمكنها أن تقلل إلى حد كبير من خطر الإصابة بتلف الكبد وسرطان الكبد. ليس من المفترض أن يتم إيقاف مضادات الفيروسات وتناولها مرة أخرى، وهذا هو سبب الأهمية البالغة للخضوع إلى تقييم شامل على يد طبيب واسع الاطلاع قبل البدء في علاج فيروس التهاب الكبد "ب" المزمن.   وتتوفر أيضًا الأدوية المناعية التي تعزز جهاز المناعة للمساعدة في السيطرة على فيروس التهاب الكبد "ب". ويتم تناولها على هيئة حقن على مدى يتراوح من 6 أشهر إلى سنة. تتضمن الأدوية التي غالبًا ما تُوصف للمرضى "إنترفيرون ألفا-2ب" (إنترون "أ") و"بيغ-إنترفيرون" (بيغاسيس).    ستحتاج أنت وطبيبك إلى مناقشة خيارات العلاج قبل تحديد أيها الأفضل لك، إن وجد. وفيما يتعلق بالعديد من الأشخاص، ستقلل هذه الأدوية من تكاثر فيروس التهاب الكبد "ب" أو توقفه. ويؤدي ذلك إلى شعور المرضى بالتحسن خلال بضعة أشهر بسبب تباطؤ تلف الكبد الناتج عن الفيروس، أو حتى بسبب عكس تأثيره في بعض الحالات، عند تناول الأدوية على المدى الطويل.   للاطلاع على القائمة الكاملة بالعقاقير المعتمدة من قِبل إدارة الغذاء والدواء (FDA) والعقاقير الواعدة الأخرى قيد التطوير لعلاج التهاب الكبد "ب"، تفضل بزيارة قسم Drug Watch (قائمة الأدوية الخاضعة للمراقبة).

    https://www.hepb.org/languages/arabic/general-information/
  • U.S. Employment

    Having hepatitis B should not impact your ability to obtain employment. However, we realize that people with hepatitis B often face discrimination in the workplace. In the U.S. workplace, this primarily impacts healthcare providers (physicians, nurses, physical therapists, etc) who have hepatitis B. It is important to know your rights so that if you, or someone you know, faces employment discrimination, you can appropriately respond.   What we are doing: In the U.S., people with hepatitis B are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. The Hepatitis B Foundation is proud to have played a key role in the landmark settlement by the Department of Justice that established protection for people with hepatitis B under the ADA. The settlement was reached based on the strength of  the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommendations for hepatitis B-infected healthcare providers and students, which were updated in 2012 with the support and input of HBF. These recommendations confirm that having hepatitis B is not a reason to deny or dismiss a person from practicing in a healthcare profession. The recommendations offer strategies for the management of hepatitis B–infected healthcare providers, including when and how to put limitations on a person’s clinical practice.   What to do if you are facing discrimination: Unfortunately, places that employ healthcare providers often still have discriminatory policies or practices, often because they are not aware of the current CDC recommendations or ADA protections. These actions are often guided by misperceptions and fear. Lack of knowledge about prevention and treatment of HBV infection has led to discriminatory practices. These practices can include (but are not limited to): Requiring proof of hepatitis B surface antibody as a condition of employment; Requiring hepatitis B testing and denying employment based upon testing hepatitis B surface antigen positive; Putting limitations on clinical experiences that are not aligned with CDC recommendations, for providers who test surface hepatitis B surface antigen positive. If you are a healthcare provider in the U.S. and have hepatitis B, it is important to know your rights and be familiar with the CDC recommendations. You might want to reach out to potential employers and find out what their policies in advance of applying for a job. Do they require proof of hepatitis B surface antibody status or hepatitis B surface antigen testing as a condition of employment, and do they have a policy for managing healthcare employees who have hepatitis B? You can ask to see the policy in writing - if they don’t have a policy, ask to see, in writing, how they manage employees with hepatitis B. If you are concerned that these questions might impact your chance of employment, you can ask your questions anonymously. If you feel that an employer might have a discriminatory policy or practice, or if you are experiencing direct discrimination from an employer in the U.S., you can respond in a few ways: Contact the highest-level person you can within the organization, and provide them with the information and documents from the CDC, DOJ and HHS. You can educate them about current recommendations, and ask them to change their policies to reflect the law. You can talk to your hepatitis B doctor to become part of the conversation – doctors often write letters to schools on behalf of patients. You can seek an attorney to assist you. You can contact the Hepatitis B Foundation at discrimination@hepb.org or 215-489-4900 for help. Most powerfully, you can file a complaint with the Department of Justice. Once a complaint is received, the DOJ can investigate into the employer’s policies to assess whether they are discriminatory. You can use the information on our site to help advocate for yourself, report your experience with discrimination on the Hepatitis B Foundation's Discrimination Registry.   For Organizations That Employ Healthcare Providers in the U.S. All employers in the U.S. must adhere to the antidiscrimination guidelines set by the ADA. If you represent an organization that employs healthcare providers, it is recommended that you create policies and practices based upon three important documents: The 2012 CDC MMWR recommendations, the 2013 DOJ settlement, and the 2013 HHS letter to all health professions schools. These documents will help assess your current hepatitis B-related antidiscrimination policies and bring them up to date and into compliance. CDC calls upon institutions to develop and implement written policies regarding the management of healthcare workers, students, and applicants who are identified to be HBV-infected. It is important that employers accurately understand their responsibility to healthcare employees who have hepatitis B, and to base policies and practice on sound scientific evidence as well as legal requirements. As a result of the broad adoption of universal (standard) infection control precautions in the medical care setting, and the ever-increasing use of the HBV vaccine, the risk of provider-to-patient transmission of HBV has become negligible. The 2013 CDC recommendations report that “since 1991, no transmission of HBV has been reported in the United States or other developed countries from primary care providers, clinicians, medical or dental students, residents, nurses, other health-care providers, or any others who would not normally perform exposure-prone procedures.” As stated in the MMWR recommendations, “HBV infection alone should not disqualify infected persons from the practice or study of surgery, dentistry, medicine, or allied health fields.” According to CDC, those who perform non- or minimally-invasive procedures do not require special panel oversight, and their HBV disease should be managed as any other personal health issue would be managed. Your institutional policy should also address identifying and convening a balanced expert review panel familiar with the CDC guidelines to provide oversight and guidance regarding the practice of HBV-infected providers who perform invasive, exposure-prone procedures. The Hepatitis B Foundation urges all healthcare institutions to incorporate the updated CDC recommendations into their institutional policies. Establishing science-based policies will help to put the risk of hepatitis B transmission into proper perspective, dispel misperceptions about how hepatitis B is spread, and protect healthcare providers who have hepatitis B from disease-based discrimination. Using evidence and guidance from the CDC, you can develop policies and practices at your organization that offer the highest protection for employees and patients alike. If you need assistance with developing policies, you can contact the Hepatitis B Foundation at discrimination@hepb.org or 215-489-4900 for more information.

    https://www.hepb.org/resources-and-support/know-your-rights/employment/
  • Vaccine for Hepatitis B

    Hepatitis B Vaccine It takes only a few shots to protect yourself and your loved ones against hepatitis B for a lifetime. The hepatitis B vaccine is a safe and effective vaccine that is recommended for all infants at birth and for children up to 18 years. The hepatitis B vaccine is also recommended for adults living with diabetes and those at high risk for infection due to their jobs, lifestyle, living situations, or country of birth. Since everyone is at some risk, all adults should seriously consider getting the hepatitis B vaccine for a lifetime protection against a preventable chronic liver disease. The hepatitis B vaccine is also known as the first “anti-cancer” vaccine because it prevents hepatitis B, the leading cause of liver cancer worldwide. You cannot get hepatitis B from the vaccine. All hepatitis B vaccines that have been used since 1986 are made synthetically – meaning the hepatitis B vaccines do not contain any blood products. Learn more. If you have a current HBV infection (HBsAg positive) or have recovered from a past HBV infection, the hepatitis B vaccine series will not benefit you or clear the virus. However, the vaccine can provide a lifetime of protection for loved ones who do not have hepatitis B and get the vaccine as soon as possible. Testing is the only way to know if you or your loved ones have a current infection or have recovered from a past infection.   Hepatitis B Vaccine Recommendations International: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the hepatitis B vaccine for all newborns, children up to 18 years of age, and all adults at higher risk for infection (see below for risk factors). United States: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the hepatitis B vaccine for all newborns, children up to age 18, adults 19-59 years of age, and adults 60 and older who are at high-risk for infection (see below for risk factors) Persons most at risk for infection:  Every person may be at some risk for a hepatitis B infection during their lifetime, so all people should consider getting the hepatitis B vaccine. However, some groups are more likely to be exposed to the hepatitis B virus. See below for the CDC’s list of people at increased risk of infection: Infants born to mothers who are living with hepatitis B  All infants, beginning at birth  Unvaccinated children aged <19   Susceptible sexual partners of people with hepatitis B infection  Sexually active persons who are not in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship (e.g., more than one sex partner during the previous six months)  Persons seeking evaluation or treatment for a sexually transmitted infection  Men who have sex with men   People with current or recent drug use   Susceptible household contacts of people with hepatitis B infection  Healthcare and public safety workers at risk for exposure to blood  Persons with end-stage renal disease, including pre-dialysis, hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and home dialysis patients  Residents and staff of facilities for persons with developmental disabilities   Travelers to and families adopting from countries where hepatitis B is common (e.g. Asia, Africa, South America, Pacific Islands, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East)  Persons with chronic liver disease, other than hepatitis B (e.g. cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, etc.)  Persons with hepatitis C infection  Persons with HIV infection   People with diabetes, as decided by their provider   All persons seeking protection from HBV infection — acknowledgment of a specific risk factor is not a requirement for vaccination Three-Dose Hepatitis B Vaccine Schedule The hepatitis B vaccine is available at your doctor's office and local health department or clinic. ​All doses of the vaccine are required in order to be fully protected against hepatitis B. It is important to remember that babies born to infected mothers must receive the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine in the delivery room or within the first 12 hours of life (learn more about hepatitis B and pregnancy). 1st Shot - At any given time, but newborns should receive this dose in the delivery room 2nd Shot - At least one month (or 28 days) after the 1st shot 3rd Shot - At least 4 months (16 weeks) after the 1st shot and 2 months after the 2nd shot. Infants should be a minimum of 24 weeks old at the time of the 3rd shot.  You do not need to restart the hepatitis B vaccine series if you miss any of the shots. For example, if you start the vaccine series and stop, then get the 2nd shot when you can and make sure to get the 3rd shot at least two months later. Or, if you get the first two doses of vaccine and miss the third dose, then just schedule the last shot when you can. To be certain that you are protected against hepatitis B, ask for a simple blood test to check your “antibody titers” that will confirm whether the vaccination was successful. Two-Dose Hepatitis B Vaccine Schedule for Adults In November 2017, a vaccine was approved by the FDA for use in the U.S. Heplisav-B (Dynavax) is a two-dose vaccine approved for use in adults aged 18 and older. The vaccine is administered as two doses given one-month apart.  Ask your doctor about the 2-dose vaccine. For assistance accessing this vaccine, you can contact Heplisav-B's Access Navigator at 1-844-375-4728.   Hepatitis B Vaccine Safety and Side Effects More than 1 billion doses of the hepatitis B vaccine have been given worldwide and it is considered one of the safest and most effective vaccines ever made. Numerous studies looking at the vaccine's safety have been conducted by the World Health Organization, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and many different medical societies. No evidence has been found that the hepatitis B vaccine causes sudden infant deaths (SIDs), autism, multiple sclerosis, or other neurological disorders. Common side effects from the hepatitis B vaccine may include soreness, swelling and redness at the injection site. The vaccine may not be recommended for those with documented yeast allergies or a history of an adverse reaction to the vaccine. The HEPLISAV-B® Pregnancy Registry Now Open and Enrolling The HEPLISAV-B® [Hepatitis B Vaccine (Recombinant), Adjuvanted] Pregnancy Registry is an observational study being conducted in the United States (US) to evaluate pregnancy outcomes in persons vaccinated with HEPLISAV-B® within 28 days prior to conception or at any time during pregnancy. The purpose of the registry is to understand the effect of vaccination with HEPLISAV-B® during pregnancy. The information collected will provide doctors with an understanding of the effect (if any) of HEPLISAV-B® exposure during pregnancy. This Registry is sponsored by Dynavax Technologies Corporation and is managed by Pharmaceutical Product Development (PPD), Inc. For additional information please call 1-844-443-7734 or email heplisavbpregnancyregistry@ppdi.com.  

    https://www.hepb.org/prevention-and-diagnosis/vaccination/