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Checking In on Your New Years’ Resolutions for Hepatitis B
How are your New Years’ Resolutions going? When you were making your resolutions, did you consider hepatitis B specific New Year’s resolutions? Here are a few ideas… Make an appointment to see your liver specialist. If you have hepatitis B, and you are not being seen regularly by a liver specialist, or a doctor knowledgeable about hepatitis B every six months, then make the commitment to do so this year. It is important to know and keep track of your HBV status and your liver health. Check out HBF’s Directory of Liver Specialists. We do not have names and contact information for all countries, so please feel free to share your favorite liver specialist with the HBV community. Make an appointment today! Organize your hepatitis B lab dataand make a table with the date of the blood draw and the associated blood test results. You’ll want to start by requesting copies of all of your labs from your doctor. Then you can generate data tables using Excel, Word or a pencil and paper table for your charted data. It will help you visualize your HBV over time, and you may find your doctor likes to see both the lab results and your table of results. Generate a list of questionsfor your next appointment with your liver specialist. People get nervous anticipating what their doctor might say about their health. It is very easy to forget those important questions, so be sure to write them down, or add them to a note app on your phone or tablet. If the option is available, have a family member or friend attend the appointment with you. That will allow you to pay closer attention while your friend or family member takes notes for you. Have you received a vaccine for hepatitis A? The HAV vaccine is recommended for children and adults living with HBV. The vaccine will protect you from another liver virus and additional stress to your liver. There is no vaccine available for HCV, HDV, or for HIV, so please take precautions to
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Blogs
Living with hepatitis B and Diabetes Liver Cancer Screening Q&A with Dr. Amit Singal Want to Avoid Liver Cancer? There Are Things You Can Control Your Doctor Not Screening You for Liver Cancer? Time for a Talk Inexpensive Test Could Reveal Liver Cancer Risk The Link Between Hepatitis B and Liver Cancer Updates in Hepatitis B-Related Liver Cancer Care What You Need to Know About Hepatitis C and Liver Cancer Journey to the Cure: What Does Liver Cancer Research Look Like? Learning to Care: Being There for Someone with Cancer Beating the Odds: A Liver Cancer Survivor's Story
https://www.hepb.org/research-and-programs/liver/resources/blogs/ -
Wendy YK's Story
Wendy was diagnosed with hepatitis B in college but wasn’t put on medication until her 30s. After a loved one passed away from liver cancer and Wendy learned that she herself may have liver damage, she started taking steps to prioritize her health and well-being over the busy, fast-paced, career-driven lifestyle that she had become accustomed to. Wendy now strives to live life to the fullest and to appreciate every moment, while effectively managing hepatitis B. Wendy YK's story is available in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin. English Cantonese Mandarin
https://www.hepb.org/research-and-programs/patient-story-telling-project/wendy-yks-story/ -
Why is hepatitis B so dangerous?
Hepatitis B is dangerous because it is a “silent infection,” which means it can infect people without them knowing it. Most people who are infected with hepatitis B are unaware of their infection for many years and can unknowingly spread the virus to others through direct contact with their infected blood and sexually. Please visit this page to learn more about hepatitis B transmission and how to protect your family. For those who become chronically infected, there is an increased risk of developing serious liver disease later in life. The virus can quietly and continuously attack the liver over many years without being detected because there are often few or no notable symptoms. The only way to confirm a hepatitis B infection is through a blood test. Visit this page and learn more about testing for hepatitis B. Hepatitis B may feature typical viral hepatitis symptoms like yellow skin, yellow eye-white “sclera” and dark urine. Alternatively, it may occur unnoticed with subtle fatigue and/ or muscle pain. This is why it is often missed. Find more Frequently Asked Questions here. Page updated 05/09/2022
https://www.hepb.org/what-is-hepatitis-b/faqs/why-is-hepatitis-so-dangerous/ -
DeWayne's Story
DeWayne contracted hepatitis B when he had a blood transfusion as a child. Growing up in foster care and not having health insurance, DeWayne went without treatment for most of his life. But after getting married and becoming a dad, he found motivation to take control of his health. DeWayne started going to the doctor, taking medication to control his hepatitis B, and living a healthier lifestyle.
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Blood Tests and Diagnosis for Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is diagnosed with a simple blood test that can be done at your doctor’s office or local health clinic. There are 3 parts to the hepatitis B panel of blood tests, so understanding your test results can be confusing. Are you infected with hepatitis B? Are you protected from hepatitis B because you were vaccinated or have recovered from a past infection? Are you at risk of being infected with hepatitis B? It is very important to understand your hepatitis B blood test results so that you receive the right kind of care and follow-up. The hepatitis B blood test requires only one sample of blood and your health care provider should order the “Hepatitis B Panel,” which includes three parts. You and your health care provider will need to know all three test results in order to fully understand whether you are infected, protected or still at risk for a hepatitis B infection. Your health care provider may ask to check your blood again in six months after your first visit to confirm your hepatitis B status. Remember to ask for a copy of your hepatitis B blood test results so that you fully understand which tests are positive or negative. Learn more about the difference between an acute versus a chronic infection. Getting Tested Hepatitis B testing is available from many sources throughout the United States. Our Hep B United partners provide testing in cities throughout the U.S. Visit http://hepbunited.org/local-campaigns to learn more about local coalitions near you and upcoming screenings. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also maintain a database of testing centers, searchable by zip code, at https://gettested.cdc.gov/.
https://www.hepb.org/prevention-and-diagnosis/diagnosis/