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• Navigating Our Emotions When We’re First Diagnosed with Hepatitis B

  Image courtesy of Pixabay When we’re first diagnosed with hepatitis B, our physical health isn’t the only thing we need to focus on. Many of us experience powerful surges of fear, anger, sadness, powerlessness, depression, and anxiety. No matter what you’re feeling, you have a right to feel whatever emotions are welling up – sometimes unexpectedly – inside you. There are no right or wrong feelings, they just are, and it’s up to you to decide what choices you make and how to respond to them. When my daughter was first diagnosed, she was a toddler and happened to be coming down with a cold. I knew nothing about hepatitis B and was convinced she would soon die from it given her crankiness, lethargy, and nonstop sleeping. Within a day or two, she was her smiling, energetic self again, and I happily slipped into denial. Surely the test was wrong or there was a mix-up in the result. My husband dragged his feet for weeks before he agreed to be screened for hepatitis B so great was his denial and fear. Denial is a normal first reaction, it can give us some  breathing room to get used to the idea that we’re infected. But denial can also be dangerous, especially if we’re in a sexual relationship with someone and don’t take precautions. Denial can be dangerous when we hide our infection and don’t tell our family members or partners, even though they may have been exposed. Denial is dangerous when we don’t tell our parents, who may not know they’re infected and unknowingly passed the virus to us at birth. It’s important to talk out our feelings with a doctor, a therapist, or a friend you trust. We need to move through denial so we can begin to receive the care and support we need, and talk to others who may also be at risk. Anger is another common and natural feeling after a diagnosis. It’s OK to get upset about how we or our family members were infected, or get angry that our parents or lovers didn’t know they had the virus and infected us. Try

  http://www.hepb.org/blog/navigating-emotions-first-diagnosed-hepatitis-b/
• October is Liver Cancer Awareness Month! What’s the Hep B Connection?

  Liver Cancer Ribbon According to the World Health Organization (WHO), liver cancer is the second most common cancer in the world, leading to 788,000 annual deaths worldwide. Most liver cancer cases occur in developing countries. More than 80 percent of these cancers are found in sub-Saharan Africa and Eastern Asia where more than 20 of every 100,000 people will suffer and die from liver cancer. However, liver cancer is alarmingly on the rise in developed countries, as well. In a recent study, researchers from The American Cancer Society found that liver cancer is the fastest-growing cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Only 20 percent of people diagnosed with liver cancer survive beyond five years, and the number of deaths have doubled since the mid-1980s, and they are expected to continue to rise. Why is liver cancer growing in most of the world? There are many risk factors for liver cancer, but chronic hepatitis B accounts for up to 60% of liver cancer and is the most common risk factor for this type of cancer. People who are chronically infected with hepatitis B are 100 times more likely to develop liver cancer compared to those who are not. The hepatitis B virus attacks the liver directly and repeatedly over time. This can lead to liver damage and scarring of the liver (or cirrhosis); which greatly increases the risk of liver cancer. Sometimes, people with hepatitis B can develop liver cancer even when they do not have cirrhosis. There are a number of complicating factors which can  increase the risk of liver cancer including traits specific to the virus and the person and their health status, which should be discussed with a liver specialist to determine when you should initiate screening. How many years have you had hepatitis B? The longer you’re infected, the higher your risk of liver cancer. What is your gender? Men are considered at higher risk of liver cancer and may be screened starting at an earlier age because they may be more likely to

  https://www.hepb.org/blog/october-liver-cancer-awareness-month-whats-hep-b-connection/
• Diagnosed with Hepatitis B? Preventing Transmission to Others. Learning the HBV Basics Transmission - Part III

  How can you prevent future transmission? Now that you are aware of your infection, it’s easier than you think.  In a perfect world, everyone would be vaccinated against HBV and be protected, but of course this is sometimes not the case. Always encourage HBV vaccination when possible now that you understand the importance of this safe and effective 3-shot series. However, the vaccine does take time to complete, so in the interim, some general precautions will keep you and everyone you know safe. Always maintain a barrier between blood and infected body fluids and any open cuts, mucous membranes (eyes, nose or mouth), or orifices of someone else. Keep cuts, bug bites – anything that bleeds or oozes - covered with a bandage. Also, remember to carry a spare bandage.  These are some simple prevention methods. Do not consider unprotected sex unless you are sure your partner has had all 3 shots of the HBV vaccine series. And remember to consider the risks of other infectious diseases that are transmitted sexually if you are not in a monogamous relationship.  Multiple sex partners and non-monogamous relationships expose you to the potential of more health risks and even the possibility of a co-infection.  Co-infections are when someone has more than one serious chronic condition (like HBV and HCV , HBV and HIV or HBV and HDV).  Co-infections are complicated health conditions that you want to avoid. Therefore, practice safe sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom if you have multiple partners. General precautions include carefully handling of your own blood, tending to your own blood spills when possible, and properly disposing of feminine hygiene products. Properly dispose of blood stained materials in tightly closed plastic bags. If someone else must tend to your bleeding wound or clean up your blood spill, be sure they wear gloves, or maintain a barrier, and wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water.  Many germs and virus (like HBV) can be effectively

  https://www.hepb.org/blog/diagnosed-with-hepatitis-b-preventing-transmission-to-others-learning-the-hbv-basics-transmission-part-iii/
• Diagnosed with Hepatitis B? Preventing Transmission to Others Learning the Hep B Basics, Transmission Part II

  Part I discussed how hepatitis B is transmitted and may have helped you determine how you were infected with hep B.   In Part II we will discuss the people closest to you who may be susceptible to your infection. Anyone exposed to Hep B is susceptible. This is true if you have not already been vaccinated, or are not taking precautions. Hep B does not discriminate. However, those most susceptible to infection are your sexual partners, close household contacts or family members. Why are the these people more susceptible?  Remember that HBV is transmitted through direct contact with blood and sexual fluids, so sexual partners will be at risk. Unfortunately even close contacts without sexual intimacy may also be at risk. These include family members or roommates that might borrow your razor, the nail clippers on the downstairs counter, or your favorite pair of pierced earrings or body jewelry. Such personal items may have trace amounts of blood on them. All you have to do is keep them separate until everyone is tested and vaccinated. Hepatitis B is NOT spread casually. You will not get HBV by co-existing in the same house, sharing a meal or eating food prepared by someone with hepatitis B. You will not get hep B by sneezing, kissing, hugging or holding someone with hepatitis B. Hepatitis B can live outside the body for a week. It just makes sense that the odds of an exposure are more likely with someone you live with just due to the increased potential for daily exposure in simple grooming routines or household activities where blood could be exchanged. The good news is that hep B is preventable. It is important to know that unvaccinated babies and young children are more susceptible to Hep B. In fact 90% of babies and up to 50% of young children infected with hep B will have life-long infection. This is a complicated topic, but basically their immune systems are immature. That is why young babies and young children may have high viral loads, but usually less

  http://www.hepb.org/blog/diagnosed-with-hepatitis-b-preventing-transmission-to-others-learning-the-hbv-basics-transmission-part-ii/
• Diagnosed With Hepatitis B? Symptoms? Learning the HBV Basics

  The tricky part about hepatitis B symptoms is that there are often no symptoms. That is why hepatitis B is referred to as a “silent infection”. This can be a little confusing to people newly diagnosed with HBV – whether it is determined you have an acute or chronic infection. If you have a new, acute infection, there is a good chance you will be one of the roughly 69% with no notable symptoms. You may feel a little under-the-weather or a little more tired then usual, or you may notice no difference at all. You may learn about your infection through blood work following a possible exposure, or following screening from a blood donation. Since 90% of adults infected with hepatitis B will clear the infection – most with no medical intervention, it is possible for you to be infected, clear the virus, and never even know until blood work shows evidence of a past infection. Then again you may be one of the roughly 30% who do have symptoms. You may experience flu-like symptoms such as achy muscles and joints, a low-grade fever and fatigue. Because your liver plays a role in digestion, you may experience a loss of appetite, feel a little nauseous, or experience pain in the upper right quadrant of your abdomen. You may have dark, tea colored urine. Then again, these symptoms may not be so severe that you take much notice. It’s okay, because these symptoms typically do not require treatment. However, if you are symptomatic, or you are concerned, please see your doctor, so blood tests can be run to be sure your liver is safe. Here are the important symptoms that you need to have checked-out immediately: jaundice, severe nausea and vomiting, and bloating or swelling of the abdomen. If you have any of these symptoms, you need to seek immediate medical attention. Your doctor will want to run blood work, which will likely need to be repeated while you are symptomatic and as you recover, to monitor your condition and be sure you are safe. At this time, your doctor will

  http://www.hepb.org/blog/diagnosed-with-hepatitis-b-symptoms-learning-the-hbv-basics/
• Sometimes I feel sad and depressed because of my hepatitis B status, what should I do?

  We are so sorry that your hepatitis B infection is causing distress. Do understand that you are not alone! Many people living with hepatitis B feel the same, but because hepatitis B is still stigmatized, and doesn’t receive the proper support that it deserves, people often feel isolated and alone. Know that there are things you can do to help yourself and others in this fight. Educate yourself about hepatitis B. Knowledge is power, and when you have the power, you can defeat the disease by taking the right steps to support your health. To start, you will need to regularly monitor your hepatitis B infection and the health of your liver and discuss with your doctor whether you need to take antivirals. Here are several resources to increase your knowledge about hepatitis B: Hepatitis B Foundation website is a comprehensive link to all areas related to hepatitis B. From there you can connect to numerous resources including preventing, diagnosing, treating and managing hepatis B, along with language chapters in different languages. Questions and answers page. This is a comprehensive collection of the most frequently asked questions by people living with hepatitis B and their friends and family members. Learn about the physical, social, and emotional impact of living with chronic hepatitis B, and how this impacts people like you around the globe and what to do about it. B-Heppy Podcast is great tool to listen and learn about topics that matter to people living with hepatitis B. Hepatitis B Foundation Blog: this is a great resource for day-to-day life issues that matter to hep B patients, like disclosing to a partner, learning about the virus and ways to get involved, etc. Hepatitis B Information Guide is a good resource for quick information about hepatitis B and might be helpful to share with others. HBV Patient Education Hub (CME Outfitters) CDC Hepatitis B Patient Education Resources: This website has a great deal of information in the form of questions and answers. Join the Hep B Community, an online hep B community for people living with hepatitis B! It is a global interactive community, and it is free. The journey with hepatitis B is a long one, and it is important to experience it with good company. There, you can chat with people from around the world – those living with hepatitis B, scientists, and clinicians. The aim is to support people living with hepatitis B worldwide and connect them with health experts, scientists and others living with the hepatitis B virus. Additionally, researchers often share their latest hepatitis B research on this forum, in a patient-friendly format, which gives you heads up on latest hepatitis B research updates. Watch personal stories by real people impacted by hepatitis B: Many living with hepatitis B share their story and how they handled some of the challenges they face. Make a conscious decision to live a healthy lifestyle to support your liver. You’ve got this; you are in control! You can support your liver by not drinking alcohol, not smoking and maintaining a healthy weight by eating a well-balanced diet and getting regular exercise. Here is more information on how to maintain a healthy liver. Also, be very careful with medications or herbal remedies and supplements. Some supplements and herbs can do more harm than good. This podcast is strongly recommended: what a person with hepatitis B should eat. You may also find this guide helpful. Think about who you would like to inform about your diagnosis and when. You don’t have to disclose your hepatitis B status to the entire world, but we all have people in our close circle, with whom we would like to share our tough moments. Please read our guide about when and how you should disclose your hepatitis B diagnosis. Finally, if you feel you cannot get the help and support from your partner, family or circle of friends, please consider seeking professional help from a trained counselor or trusted community leader. Please talk to your doctor to refer you to a professional consultant. If you are thinking about harming yourself, please find help immediately here globally and in the US dial 988. Please know that people with hepatitis B have bright futures and long lives ahead of them – they can go to school, have careers, date, marry, have children, and live a normal life. We know it is hard to stay optimistic, but it is important to always keep a positive attitude. Do that and you’ll live a happy, fulfilling life!   Find more Frequently Asked Questions here.    Page updated 12/27/2022

  https://www.hepb.org/what-is-hepatitis-b/faqs/sometimes-i-feel-sad-and-depressed-because-of-my-hepatitis-b-status-what-should-i-do/
• U.S Universal Adult Hepatitis B Vaccination

  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) universally recommends the hepatitis B vaccine for all adults up to age 59 and for adults 60 and over at high-risk for hepatitis B in the United States.    The new recommendation simplifies the previously complex guidelines by eliminating the need to screen for risk factors. Read the full recommendation and clinical guidance here.  Call to Action: Eliminating Hepatitis B Virus Through Universal Screening and Vaccination for Adults Ages 19-59: The Hepatitis B Screening & Vaccine Advisory Council has developed guidance on how healthcare providers in various settings can begin implementing universal hepatitis B screening and vaccination. Read more here.  The CDC recommends three actions that healthcare providers should take to implement the new universal recommendation:   Offer hepatitis B vaccination to all adults aged 19–59 years who have not previously completed vaccination, as well as adults > 60 years with risk factors for hepatitis B or without identified risk factors but seeking protection.  Implement standing orders to administer the hepatitis B vaccine as part of routine services to adults who have not completed the vaccine series.  Offer hepatitis B vaccination, when feasible, in outreach and other settings in which services are provided to persons at risk for HBV infection (e.g., syringe services programs, HIV testing sites, HIV prevention programs, homeless shelters).  Available Hepatitis B Vaccines for Adults  In the U.S., there are now five vaccines approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in adults.   3-dose Vaccine Brands  PreHevbrio  Recombivax HB  Engerix-B  Twinrix (Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B combination vaccine)   2-dose Vaccine Brands  Heplislav-B   Standing Orders for Adult Hepatitis B Vaccination   Standing orders are recommended by the CDC and the Community Preventative Services Task Force as a way to improve vaccination rates based upon strong evidence.   Immunize.org has standing orders template for the universal adult hepatitis B vaccination recommendation.   Resources for Public Awareness and Community Events  Hepatitis B Vaccine Record Card Poster - Universal Hepatitis B Vaccination Flyer - I want to receive the hepatitis B vaccine (White) Flyer - I want to receive the hepatitis B vaccine (Bandaid Version) Postcard - I want to receive the hepatitis B vaccine (White)  Postcard - I want to receive the hepatitis B vaccine (Bandaid version) Resources for Providers from the CDC The CDC has several available resources on the new recommendation, including clinical guidance, healthcare provider Q&As, and information about the types of vaccines available.   Adult Immunization Schedule (2022)  Hepatitis B Questions and Answers for Healthcare Professionals  Strategies for Increasing Adult Immunization Rates  Universal Hepatitis B Vaccination: ACIP Workgroup Considerations  Resources for Patient Communication  Key Messaging to Promote Universal Adult Hepatitis B Vaccination   The CDC has shared key messages about why universal adult hepatitis B vaccination is important. The messages listed below can be used to promote the new recommendation among the medical community.  Despite major reductions in hepatitis B virus infections achieved through evolving hepatitis B vaccine policy over the past four decades, progress has stalled in the last 10 years, demonstrating the limits of previous risk-based hepatitis B vaccine recommendations.  Reported cases of acute hepatitis B have plateaued at approximately 3,000 annually for at least nine years (2011-2019), and because hepatitis B is underreported, the estimated true number of cases in those years has been around 20,000 new infections per year.   Each year more than $1 billion is spent on hepatitis B-related hospitalizations.  The new language for adults aged ≥60 years without known risk factors is intended to prompt all providers to offer HBV vaccination to patients in that cohort, rather than wait for a patient to request vaccination, thus shifting the responsibility of initiating the consideration of HBV vaccination from the patient to the provider.   Stigma and discrimination might cause people to avoid testing and treatment, and to fear disclosing their status to health care providers, friends, family members, and colleagues. This stigma can lead to worsening health outcomes and further viral hepatitis transmission.  Disparities can be reduced with increases in vaccination facilitated by a universal adult recommendation.   Dramatic reductions in rates of reported acute hepatitis B cases among children and adolescents were achieved following the introduction of universal vaccination for these groups. We can achieve similar impact among adults with universal adult recommendations, but right now, rates of reported acute hepatitis B cases among adults have increased among people 40 years and older. African American or Black non-Hispanic adults are disproportionately impacted, with rates triple those of Asian/Pacific Islander and approximately twice those Hispanic groups in the United States. 1 2

  https://www.hepb.org/prevention-and-diagnosis/vaccination/u-s-universal-adult-hepatitis-b-vaccination/

• Muốn xem hoặc in Bản Việt Ngữ chung với nhau, xin bấm vào đây. Cần có Adobe Acrobat để đọc bản PDF. Hãy lấy nhu kiện miễn phí này ở đây. To view or print the entire Vietnamese Chapter in English, as a single document click here. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader, download it here for free. Chào mừng bạn đến với Bản Tiếng Việt của Trang mạng Quỹ Viêm gan B Viêm gan B được biết đến như là một căn bệnh thầm lặng, và hầu hết mọi người thậm chí còn không biết là mình bị nhiễm bệnh. Trang mạng này có thông tin về cách phòng ngừa, chẩn đoán và kiểm soát viêm gan B. Chúng tôi khuyến khích bạn chia sẻ thông tin này với bạn bè, gia đình và những người khác trong cộng đồng. Đây là một số điều quan trọng cần ghi nhớ về viêm gan B: Viêm gan B không phải do di truyền - mà do siêu vi khuẩn gây ra. 
 Có một loại vắc-xin an toàn sẽ bảo vệ bạn khỏi viêm gan B suốt đời. 
 Có một xét nghiệm máu đơn giản để chẩn đoán viêm gan B. 
 Có những phương án điều trị. Viêm gan B là một Căn bệnh mang tính Toàn cầuViêm gan B có thể lây nhiễm cho bất kỳ người nào thuộc mọi lứa tuổi hoặc chủng tộc, nhưng người từ những nơi trên thế giới thường mắc viêm gan B, như Châu Á, một số vùng ở Châu Phi và Nam Mỹ, Đông Âu, và Trung Đông, có nguy cơ bị nhiễm bệnh cao hơn nhiều. Viêm gan B cũng thường gặp ở những người Mỹ được sinh ra (hoặc có cha mẹ được sinh ra) ở những vùng này. Có hàng trăm triệu người trên thế giới bị viêm gan B. Hầu hết mọi người thậm chí còn không biết mình bị nhiễm bệnh, và không có triệu chứng – nhưng có rất nhiều điều quan trọng bạn nên biết. Đi xét nghiệm viêm gan B có thể cứu sống bạn. Nếu bạn biết mình bị viêm gan B, bạn có thể lựa chọn lối sống để giữ cho gan khỏe mạnh và bạn có thể gặp bác sĩ để giúp kiểm soát siêu vi khuẩn và ngăn ngừa tổn thương gan. Quỹ Viêm gan B là một tổ chức phi lợi nhuận quốc gia với sứ mệnh tìm kiếm phương pháp chữa trị và giúp cải thiện chất lượng sống cho tất cả những người bị viêm gan B trên toàn thế giới thông qua nghiên cứu, giáo dục và vận động cho bệnh nhân. Tuyên bố miễn trừ trách nhiệm: Thông tin được cung cấp trên trang mạng này chỉ nhằm mục đích giáo dục. Quỹ Viêm gan B không phải là một tổ chức y tế. Vui lòng trao đổi với bác sĩ hoặc nhà cung cấp dịch vụ chăm sóc sức khỏe đủ trình độ để được chăm sóc và tư vấn y tế dành cho cá nhân. Welcome to the Vietnamese Chapter of the Hepatitis B Foundation Hepatitis B is known as a silent disease, and most people don’t even know they are infected. This website contains information about preventing, diagnosing and managing hepatitis B. We encourage you to share this information with your friends, family and others in your community. Here are some important things to remember about hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is not inherited - it is caused by a virus. 
 There is a safe vaccine which will protect you from hepatitis B for life. 
 There is a simple blood test to diagnose hepatitis B. 
 There are treatment options. Hepatitis B is a Global DiseaseHepatitis 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. There are hundreds of millions of people worldwide who have hepatitis B. Most people don’t even know they are infected, and don’t have symptoms – but there are many important things you should know. Getting tested for hepatitis B can save your life. If you know you have hepatitis B, you can make lifestyle choices to keep your liver healthy and you can see a doctor to help manage the virus and prevent liver damage. The Hepatitis B Foundation is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure and helping to improve the quality of life for all those affected by hepatitis B worldwide through research, education and patient advocacy. Disclaimer: The information that is provided on this website is for educational purposes only. The Hepatitis B Foundation is not a medical organization. Please talk to your doctor or a qualified health care provider for personal medical care and advice.

  https://www.hepb.org/languages/vietnamese/

• 击点这里阅读或打印中文主页的全部内容 击点这里免费下载Adobe Acrobat 阅读软件. To view or print the entire Chinese Chapter in English, as a single document click here. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader, download it here for free. 歡迎光臨 B 型肝炎基金會繁體中文網站 福建人患肝癌人数多 孟昭文普及防癌知识（图） B 型肝炎是一種無聲的疾病，大多數人根本不知道自己受感染。本網站含有關於預防、診斷和控制 B 型肝炎的資訊。我們鼓勵您與您的朋友、家人和其他社區人士分享這些資訊。以下是關於 B 型肝炎的須知： B 型肝炎並不是遺傳的，而是由病毒引起的。 
 有一種安全的疫苗可以保護您終身不會罹患 B 型肝炎。 
 只需要簡單的驗血即可診斷 B 型肝炎。 
 有幾種治療選擇。 B 型肝炎是一種全球性的疾病B 型肝炎可以感染任何年齡或種族的任何人，但是來自世界上 B 型肝炎較為常見的地區（如亞洲、非洲和南美洲部分地區、東歐以及中東）的人受感染的風險要高得多。B 型肝炎在出生（或其父母出生）於這些地區的美國人中也很常見。 全世界有數億人患 B 型肝炎。大多數人根本不知道自己受感染，也沒有症狀——但是您應該要知道許多重要的事情。接受 B 型肝炎檢查可以挽救您的生命。如果您知道自己患有 B 型肝炎，您可以選擇生活方式來保持肝臟的健康，也可以看醫生來幫助控制病毒，預防肝臟損傷。 B 型肝炎基金會 (Hepatitis B Foundation) 是一個全國性的非營利組織，致力於透過研究、教育和患者宣導，為全世界所有受 B 型肝炎影響的人士尋找治癒的方法，以及幫助他們改善生活品質。 免責聲明：本網站提供的資訊僅供作教育用途。B 型肝炎基金會並非醫療機構。請與您的醫生或合格的醫護人員談談，以獲得個人醫療照護和建議。   Welcome to the Chinese Chapter of the Hepatitis B Foundation Website Click here for a recent story from China Press (May 2018) Hepatitis B is known as a silent disease, and most people don’t even know they are infected. This website contains information about preventing, diagnosing and managing hepatitis B. We encourage you to share this information with your friends, family and others in your community. Here are some important things to remember about hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is not inherited - it is caused by a virus. 
 There is a safe vaccine which will protect you from hepatitis B for life. 
 There is a simple blood test to diagnose hepatitis B. 
 There are treatment options. Hepatitis B is a Global DiseaseHepatitis 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. There are hundreds of millions of people worldwide who have hepatitis B. Most people don’t even know they are infected, and don’t have symptoms – but there are many important things you should know. Getting tested for hepatitis B can save your life. If you know you have hepatitis B, you can make lifestyle choices to keep your liver healthy and you can see a doctor to help manage the virus and prevent liver damage. The Hepatitis B Foundation is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure and helping to improve the quality of life for all those affected by hepatitis B worldwide through research, education and patient advocacy. Disclaimer: The information that is provided on this website is for educational purposes only. The Hepatitis B Foundation is not a medical organization. Please talk to your doctor or a qualified health care provider for personal medical care and advice.  

  https://www.hepb.org/languages/chinese-traditional/

• Pangkalahatang Impormasyon  Ano ang hepatitis B?Ang hepatitis B ang pinakakaraniwang impeksyon sa atay sa mundo. Sanhi ito ng hepatitis B virus (HBV), na umaatake at pumipinsala ng atay. Naipapasa ito sa pamamagitan ng dugo, hindi protektadong pakikipagtalik, pinagbaha-bahaginang paggamit ng o muling ginamit na mga karayom, at mula sa isang impektadong ina sa kanyang bagong silang na sanggol sa panahon ng kanyang pagbubuntis o panganganak. Karamihan sa mga nahawahang nasa hustong gulang ay nalabanan ang hepatitis B virus nang walang anumang mga problema. Gayunpaman, ang ilang mga nasa hustong gulang at karamihan sa mga nahawahang mga sanggol at bata ay hindi kayang labanan ang virus at magkakaroon ng talamak (panghabang buhay) na impeksyon. Ang magandang balita ay mayroong ligtas na bakuna upang maiwasan ang hepatitis B na impeksyon at mga bagong panggamot para sa mga may hepatitis B. Gaano karaming tao ang apektado ng hepatitis B?Sa buong mundo, 2 bilyong tao (1 sa 3 tao) ang may hepatitis B; at 257 milyong tao ang may talamak na impeksyon (ibig sabihin ay hindi na nila malalabanan ang virus). Tinatayang 700,000 katao ang namamatay bawat taon mula sa hepatitis B at sa mga komplikasyon nito. Bakit mas karaniwan ang hepatitis B sa ilang bahagi ng mundo?Maaaring mahawa ng hepatitis B ang sinumang tao sa anumang edad o etnisidad, ngunit ang mga tao mula sa mga bahagi ng mundo kung saan karaniwan ang hepatitis B, tulad ng Asya, mga bahagi ng Aprika at Timog Amerika, Silangang Europa, at Gitnang Silangan, ay may mas mataas na panganib na mahawaan. Karaniwan din ang hepatitis B sa mga Amerikanong ipinanganak (o ang mga magulang ay ipinanganak) sa mga rehiyong ito. Ang hepatitis B ay mas karaniwan sa ilang mga rehiyon sa mundo dahil maraming mga tao ang may hepatitis B sa mga rehiyong ito. Bagama’t ang hepatitis B ay hindi isang “Sakit na Pang-Asya” o isang “Sakit na Pang-Aprika”, naaapektuhan nito ang daan-daang milyong tao mula sa mga rehiyong ito – kaya mas maraming tao ang maaaring naipapasa ang hepatitis B virus sa iba. Itinataas nito ang panganib na ikaw ay mahawa. Dahil mayroong mas maliit na bilang ng mga Taga-Kanluran na may hepatitis B, ang grupong ito ay may mas mababang panganib ng impeksyon. Sa mga rehiyon kung saan karaniwan ang hepatitis B, madalas nahahawa ang mga tao na bagong silang – mula sa ina na hindi alam na naipasa ang virus sa kanyang sanggol pagkapanganak. Nasa panganib din ang mga bata kung sila ay nakatira kung saan may malapit na araw-araw na kontak sa isang impektadong miyembro ng pamilya. Ang mga sanggol at bata ay mas malamang na magkakaroon ng talamak na hepatitis B na impeksyon dahil ang kanilang batang immune system ay nahihirapang labanan ang virus. Kung ikaw, o iyong pamilya, ay mula sa bahagi ng mapa na mas matingkad na asul, maaaring may mas mataas na panganib ka sa hepatitis B na impeksyon at dapat kausapin ang isang doktor tungkol sa pagpapasuri. Bakit ako dapat mag-alala tungkol sa hepatitis B?Ang talamak na hepatitis B ay maaaring humantong sa malubhang sakit sa atay tulad ng cirrhosis o kanser sa atay. Mahalaga na magpasuri dahil ang maagang pagsusuri ay maaaring humantong sa maagang paggamot na makakapagligtas ng iyong buhay Dagdag pa, maaaring maikalat ng mga taong nahawa ang virus sa iba. Dahil hindi alam ng karamihan sa mga tao na sila ay nahawa, hindi nila alam na naikakalat nila ito sa maraming ibang mga tao. Kung hindi magpasuri ang mga tao, maaaring maipasa ang hepatitis B sa maraming henerasyon sa isang pamilya at sa buong komunidad. Isang pangkaraniwang akala ay ang hepatitis B ay “namamana” dahil maraming henerasyon sa isang pamilya ay maaaring nahawa. Ngunit ang hepatitis B ay HINDI isang genetikong sakit – ang hepatitis B ay sanhi ng isang virus, na madalas naipapasa sa mga miyembro ng pamilya dahil sa ina-sa-anak na pagpapasa o aksidenteng pagkakalantad ng sambahayan sa dugo. Maaaring matigil ng mga pamilya ang paulit-ulit na impeksyon ng hepatitis B sa pamamagitan ng pagpapasuri, pagpapabakuna at pagpapagamot. Bakit mapanganib ang hepatitis B?Mapanganib ang hepatitis B dahil ito ay isang “tahimik na impeksyon” na maaaring makahawa sa mga tao nang hindi nila alam. Karamihan sa mga taong nahawa ng hepatitis B ay hindi alam ang kanilang impeksyon at maaaring hindi alam na naipasa ang virus sa iba sa pamamagitan ng kanilang dugo at nahawahang mga likido ng katawan. Para sa mga may talamak na impeksyon, mayroong tumataas na panganib ng pagkakaroon ng panghihina ng atay, cirrhosis at/o kanser sa atay sa kalaunan. Maaaring tahimik at patuloy na inaatake ng virus ang atay sa maraming taon nang hindi natutuklasan. Ano ang malubhang hepatitis B?Ang malubhang hepatitis B na impeksyon ay maaaring magtagal nang hanggang anim na buwan (nang mayroon o walang mga sintomas) at ang nahawahang mga tao ay naipapasa ang virus sa iba sa panahong ito. Maaaring kabilang sa mga sintomas ng malubhang impeksyon ang kawalan ng gana sa pagkain, pananakit ng kasu-kasuan at kalamnan, mababang antas ng lagnat, at posibleng pananakit ng tiyan. Bagama’t karamihan sa mga tao ay hindi nakakaranas ng mga sintomas, maaaring makita ang mga ito 6-150 araw pagkatapos ng impeksyon, karaniwan ay 3 buwan. Ang ilang mga tao ay maaaring makaranas ng mas malulubhang mga sintomas tulad ng pagduduwal, pagsusuka, jaundice (paninilaw ng mga mata at balat), o namamagang tiyan na maaaring maging dahilan upang sila ay magpapatingin sa isang tagapagbigay ng pangangalagang pangkalusugan. Ang simpleng pagsusuri sa dugo ay maaaring magsabi sa tao kung mayroong hepatitis B sa kanilang dugo. Kung ikaw ay nasuri na may malubhang hepatitis B, kakailanganin ng doktor na ipasuri muli ang iyong dugo sa 6 buwan upang alamin kung ikaw ay gumagaling, o kung ikaw ay nagkaroon ng talamak na hepatitis B na impeksyon. Hangga’t makumpirma ng iyong tagapagbigay ng pangangalagang pangkalusugan na ang iyong pagsusuri sa dugo ay nagpapakita na wala nang hepatitis B na virus sa iyong dugo, mahalagang protektahan ang iba mula sa posibleng impeksyon. Mahalaga rin na ipasuri para sa hepatitis B ang iyong (mga) sekswal na kapareha at mga miyembro ng pamilya (o ang mga nakatira kung saan may malapit na kontak sa sambahayan). Kung ikaw ay hindi nahawa – at hindi pa nakatanggap ng bakuna sa hepatitis B – dapat silang magsimula ng serye ng bakuna sa hepatitis B. Ang mga taong may malubhang hepatitis B ay hindi nireresetahan ng ispesipikong panggamot sa hepatitis B – walang panggamot na makakapag-alis ng hepatitis B na impeksyon, at karamihan sa mga taong nahawa na mga nasa hustong gulang ay gagaling nang kusa. Minsan, ang taong may malulubhang mga sintomas ay maaaring ma-ospital para sa pangkalahatang suporta. Pahinga at pangangasiwa ng mga sintomas ang pangunahing mga layunin ng medikal na pangangalagang ito. Ang bihira at nagbabanta sa buhay na kondisyon na tinatawag na “fulminant hepatitis” ay maaaring mangyari sa bagong malubhang impeksyon at nangangailangan ng agarang medikal na atensyon dahil ang tao ay maaaring magkaroon ng biglaang panghihina ng atay. Ang mga simpleng payo sa pangangalaga ng iyong atay sa panahon ng malubhang hepatitis B na impeksyon ay umiwas sa alak, tumigil o limitahan ang paninigarilyo, kumain ng masusustansyang pagkain, umiwas sa mga malalangis o matatabang pagkain, at kausapin ang iyong tagapagbigay ng pangangalagang pangkalusugan tungkol sa anumang mga medikasyon na iyong iniinom (mga reseta, nabibiling medikasyon, mga bitamina o erbal na mga suplemento) upang masiguro na ligtas ang mga ito para sa iyong atay. Ito ang magandang panahon upang itanong ang anumang iba pang mga katanungan na maaaring mayroon ka. Ang paggamit ng mga bitamina at mga suplemento para sa kalusugan ng atay ay malamang na hindi makatutulong sa iyong paggaling at maaaring magsanhi ng dagdag na pinsala kaysa kabutihan sa atay. Siguruhing mag-follow up sa iyong tagapagbigay ng pangangalagang pangkalusugan para sa anumang karagdagang mga pagsusuri sa dugo na kailangan upang kumpirmahin ang iyong paggaling mula sa malubhang impeksyon. Ano ang talamak na hepatitis B?Ang mga taong nasuri na positibo sa hepatitis B na virus nang higit anim na buwan (pagkatapos ng resulta ng kanilang unang pagsusuri ng dugo) ay tinutukoy bilang mayroong talamak na impeksyon. Ibig sabihin, ang kanilang immune system ay hindi nakayanang labanan ang hepatitis B virus at ito ay nananatili pa rin sa kanilang dugo at atay. Mayroong mga epektibong paraan sa paggamot at pangangasiwa ng talamak na impeksyon, ngunit wala itong lunas. Kung ikaw ay may talamak na impeksyon, ang virus ay malamang na mananatili sa iyong dugo habang buhay. Ang mga taong may talamak na hepatitis B ay maaaring hindi alam na naipapasa ang virus sa iba. Ang talamak na hepatitis B ay maaaring humantong sa mga malulubhang sakit sa atay, tulad ng cirrhosis at kanser sa atay. Hindi lahat ng taong may talamak na impeksyon ay magkakaron ng malubhang sakit sa atay. Gayunpaman, mayroon silang mas malaking pagkakataon kaysa sa taong hindi nahawa. Ang panganib ng pagkakaroon ng talamak na hepatitis B na impeksyon ay may kaugnayan sa edad kung kailan unang nahawa ng hepatitis B na virus. 90% ng mga nahawahang mga bagong silang at mga sanggol ay magkakaroon ng talamak na hepatitis B na impeksyon. Hanggang 50% ng nahawaang mga bata (1-5 taon) ay magkakaroon ng talamak na hepatitis B na impeksyon 5-10% ng mga nahawaang nasa wastong gulang ay magkakaroon ng talamak na hepatitis B na impeksyon (iyon ay, 90% ay gagaling) Ang malaman na ikaw ay may talamak na hepatitis B na impeksyon ay maaaring nakakabalisa. Dahil karamihan sa mga tao ay walang mga sintomas at maaaring masuri ilang dekada pagkatapos ng kanilang unang pagkakalantad sa hepatitis B na virus, maaaring nakakabigla at nakakagulat na masuring may talamak na hepatitis B na impeksyon. Ang magandang balita ay karamihan sa mga taong may talamak na hepatitis B ay inaasahang mabubuhay nang matagal at may malusog na buhay. Maaaring maipasa ng impektadong buntis na mga babae ang virus sa kanilang mga bagong silang pagkapanganak. Samakatuwid, dahil ang panganib ng mga bagong silang na magkaroon ng talamak na impeksyon pagkapanganak ay napakataas, inirerekomenda ng parehong Organisasyon ng Kalusugan ng Mundo (World Health Organization, WHO) at ng Mga Sentro para sa Pamamahala at Pag-iwas ng Sakit (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC) na lahat ng mga sanggol ay tumanggap ng unang dosis ng bakuna sa hepatitis B sa loob ng 12-24 oras pagkapanganak. Kung ikaw ay buntis at alam mong ikaw ay impektado, kailangang tiyakin mo makukuha ng iyong anak ang unang dosis ng bakuna sa hepatitis B sa loob nang 12-24 oras pagkapanganak. Bagama’t walang lunas para sa talamak na impeksyon ng hepatitis B, may mga epektibong terapiyang gamot na makakasupil ng hepatitis B na virus at pigilan ito mula sa pagpinsala ng atay. Mayroon ding maaasahang bagong mga gamot na nasa yugto ng pananaliksik na maaaring magbibigay ng lunas sa malapit na hinaharap. Bagama’t ang panganib ng pagkakaroon ng malubhang sakit sa atay o kanser sa atay ay mas mataas para sa mga may talamak na hepatitis B kaysa sa mga hindi impektado, mayroon pa ring maraming simpleng mga bagay na maaaring gawin ng isang tao upang tulungang mabawasan ang kanilang panganib. Magtakda ng regular na mga pagbisita bawat anim na buwan (o hindi bababa sa bawat taon) sa isang espesyalista sa atay o isang tagapagbigay ng pangangalagang pangkalusugan na may sapat na kaalaman tungkol sa hepatitis B upang masubaybayan nila ang kalusugan ng iyong atay. Kausapin ang iyong tagapagbigay ng pangangalagang pangkalusugan kung ang paggagamot sa iyong talamak na hepatitis B na impeksyon ay makatutulong sa pagpigil sa malubhang sakit sa atay o kanser sa atay. Siguruhin na sinusuri ka ng iyong tagapagbigay ng pangangalagang pangkalusugan para sa kanser sa atay sa panahon ng iyong regular na mga pagbisita dahil ang maagang pagtuklas ay katumbas ng mas maraming opsyon sa paggagamot at mas mahabang buhay. Iwasan o limitahan ang alak at paninigarilyo dahil parehong nagsasanhi ito ng maraming stress sa iyong atay. Kumain ng masustansyang pagkain na may maraming gulay dahil ang prito at malalangis na pagkain ay makakasama sa iyong atay. Ano ang ibig sabihin na maging isang “talamak na tagapagdala”?Kung ang isang tao ay may talamak na hepatitis B na impeksyon, maaaring ituring sila ng kanilang doktor bilang “talamak na tagapagdala.” Ang isang “talamak na tagapagdala” ay nangangahulugan na ikaw ay may talamak na hepatitis B na impeksyon na maaaring maipasa ang virus sa iba at ikaw ay dapat pangasiwaan ng isang doktor para sa iyong impeksyon. Mayroon bang lunas para sa hepatitis B?Karamihan sa mga nasa hustong gulang ay gumagaling nang kusa mula sa malubhang impeksyon nang hindi nangangailangan ng medikasyon. Para sa mga nasa hustong gulang, mga bata at sanggol na nagkaroon ng talamak na hepatitis B na impeksyon, kasalukuyang walang lunas. Ngunit ang magandang balita ay mayroong mga panggamot na makakatulong na pabagalin ang paglala ng sakit sa atay sa mga taong may talamak na impeksyon sa pamamagitan ng pagpapabagal sa virus. Kung mas kaunting hepatitis B na virus ang nagagawa, samakatuwid ay mas kaunti ang pinsala na ginagawa sa atay. Sa lahat ng bagong magagandang pananaliksik, mayroong malaking pag-asa na matutuklasan ang lunas para sa talamak na hepatitis B sa malapit na hinaharap. Bumisita sa aming Drug Watch para sa listahan ng iba pang maaasahang mga gamot na binubuo. Anong mga opsyon ang mayroon upang gamutin ang aking hepatitis B?Para sa malubhang impeksyon, walang panggamot sa pangkalahatan maliban sa pahinga at mga sumusuportang hakbang upang pangasiwaan ang anumang mga sintomas. Para sa talamak na hepatitis B, maraming mga panggamot na makukuha. Mahalagang maunawaan na hindi lahat ng may talamak na hepatitis B ang nangangailangan ng paggagamot. Ang iyong doktor ay makatutulong sa iyo na magpasya kung kailangan mo ng medikasyon o kung maaari mong hintayin at subaybayan ang iyong kondisyon. Maraming mga medikasyon laban sa virus na nagpapabagal o pumipigil sa hepatitis B na virus mula sa pagdami, na nagpapababa ng pamamaga at pinsala sa atay. Ang mga panlaban sa virus na ito ay iniinom bilang pildoras isang beses bawat araw nang hindi bababa sa 1 taon, kadalasan ay mas mahaba pa. Mayroong 6 na mga panlaban sa virus na aprubado ng U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), ngunit tatlo lamang na “unang-linya” na mga panlaban sa virus ang inirerekomenda: tenofovir disoproxil (Viread/TDF), tenofovir alafenamide (Vemlidy/TAF) at entecavir (Baraclude). Ang unang-linya na mga panlaban sa virus ay inirerekomenda dahil sila ay mas ligtas at mas epektibo. Para sa mga taong hindi tumugon sa, o walang access sa, unang-linya na mga panlaban sa virus na mga panggamot, may ibang mga opsyon: telbivudine (Tyzeka, Sebivo), adefovir dipivoxil (Hepsera), at lamivudine (Epivir-HBV, Zeffix, Heptodin). Bagama’t aprubado ng FDA ang mga panlaban sa virus na ito para sa talamak na hepatitis B, hindi sila nagbibigay ng ganap na lunas. Gayunpaman, maaari nilang lubos na mabawasan ang panganib ng pagkakaroon ng pinsala sa atay at kanser sa atay. Ang mga panlaban sa virus ay hindi nilalayon na ihinto at simulan, kaya kailangan na ang masinsinang pagsusuri ng isang doktor na may sapat na kaalaman ay mahalaga bago simulan ang paggagamot para sa talamak na hepatitis B. Mayroon ding mga gamot na immunomodulator na nagpapalakas ng immune system upang tulungang supilin ang hepatitis B na virus. Ang mga ito ay ibinibigay bilang mga iniksyon sa loob ng 6 na buwan hanggang 1 taon. Kabilang sa mga pinakakaraniwang inirereseta ang interferon alfa-2b (Intron A) at pegylated interferon (Pegasys). Kailangang talakayin mo at ng iyong doktor ang mga opsyon sa paggagamot bago magpasya kung alin, kung mayroon man, ang pinakamainam para sa iyo. Para sa karamihan, babawasan o pipigilan ng mga medikasyong ito ang hepatiits B na virus. Nagreresulta ito sa mga pasyenteng bumubuti ang pakiramdam sa loob ng ilang buwan dahil ang pinsala sa atay mula sa virus ay napabagal, o nabaliktad pa sa ilang mga kaso, kapag iniinom nang pangmatagalan. Para sa kumpletong listahan ng mga aprubadong gamot ng FDA at ibang maaasahan mga gamot na binubuo para sa hepatitis B, bumisita sa aming Drug Watch. General Information 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.

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