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

    … suffer from high blood pressure, bad eyesight, or diabetes and they also have to regularly take care of themselves. The problem is that hepatitis B is an infectious disease, a fact that contributes towards stigma surrounding its diagnosis. Suffering from flu makes me feel like a hazard to others. Having an infection that I cannot get rid-off certainly makes me feel bad and, in a way, dirty. I have to be cautious and aware that my blood is hazardous for others and I have to be constantly aware of all the possibilities I can be harmful and ways to prevent it. It’s a progressive disease which can be treated at a certain point, so when you go to follow-up appointments, you feel like a ticking bomb is inside you and you need to be able to identify the period when the bomb goes off so you can treat the damage. Because current hepatitis B medications are most effective when there are signs of liver damage, the treatment is often only given during this phase. The inherent uncertainty makes you hate hepatitis B. Fighting Discrimination and Stigma Living in a conservative society, if you are one of the few fortunate ones aware of your diagnosis, how do you deal with it? I kept it to myself because I did not want people to define me through my illness. I did not tell my parents or friends because I did not want them to see me as ill or worse, to pity me. I needed time to process it without having to deal with other’s opinions and judgments. Three years ago, I was diagnosed with hepatitis B during regular pre-employment screening. I did not even know anything about this disease. I had a biopsy to determine the stage of the disease. Then I went to a few follow-ups. Unfortunately, after a while, I stopped because I did not want to think about this illness. I wanted to forget about it so I tucked it away, in the farthest corner of my mind. I did not know many people with whom I felt safe talking about this. Until one day, I was at a fundraising event for a charity cancer

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/patient-perspective-living-chronic-hepatitis-b-fighting-fronts/
  • Tackling Hepatitis B in Africa: The First Nigerian Hepatitis Summit

    … Nigerians through disease awareness and, as more people become aware of the disease, help them discover their status and encourage them to seek treatment as appropriate; 2. Increase local and domestic health financing, increase domestic, local responses, and allocate needed funds towards the elimination of the disease as more state governments establish state actions plans; 3. Increase engagement and involvement of the private sector in accelerating the elimination goal of viral hepatitis in Nigeria and; 4. Increase the capacity of health care professionals and improve health care systems to deliver quality viral hepatitis cascade of care in line with WHO and national guidelines. The summit was held on December 3-4 in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory. Over 200 participants from diverse sectors attended including the: * WHO’s Nigerian office * State Directors of Public Health across Ministries of Health * State HIV/AIDS Program Managers-Hepatitis is domiciled in the State HIV/AIDS programs at both national and state levels. * Civil society and NGOs from 26 states in Nigeria * Academia including the Society of Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist in Nigeria (SOGHIN) * Private sector representatives * Professional Medical associations The Society of Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist (SOGHIN) led the technical faculty. SOGHIN made up 70% of the speakers. Other Speakers included: World Health Organization (WHO); World Hepatitis Alliance (WHA); Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI); National Primary Health Care Development Agency; Harm Reduction Association of Nigeria; and Representatives of States Ministries of Health. Outcomes from the Summit * Increased advocacy at state ministries of health to ensure state governments prioritize hepatitis cascade of care * The engagement of private institutions to invest in the hepatitis cascade of care * Efforts to enhance collaboration towards improving hepatitis cascade of care between civil society organizations and state

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/tackling-hepatitis-b-africa-first-nigerian-hepatitis-summit/
  • My partner has been diagnosed with hepatitis B. Can transmission be prevented by vaccination?

    Courtesy of Google Images A hepatitis B diagnosis can be scary and confusing for both you and your loved ones, especially if you are unfamiliar with the virus. Hepatitis B is known to be sexually transmitted, and you may wonder how you can continue your relationship with someone who has been infected. The good news is that hepatitis B is vaccine preventable. This means that after you complete the vaccine series, you cannot contract hepatitis B through any modes of transmission; you are protected for life! However, it is important to remember that the vaccine will only work if a person has not been previously infected. Therefore, it is necessary to take certain steps after your partner’s diagnosis to protect yourself from becoming infected. The first step is to visit the doctor and get tested, even if you think that you do not have it. Since hepatitis B often has no symptoms for decades, testing is the only way to know your status. The doctor should perform the Hepatitis B Panel test - a simple blood draw that shows hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb or anti-HBs), and hepatitis B core antibody total (HBcAb or anti-HBc). Looking at these three blood test results together will show if you have a current infection, have recovered from a past infection, or if you need to be protected through vaccination. Once you receive your results, this chart can help you understand what they mean. Preventing Transmission through Vaccines: If you test negative for HBsAg, HBsAb, and HBcAb, you are not protected from hepatitis B and are considered to have a high risk of contracting the virus from your partner or other means. To prevent transmission, you will need to begin your vaccination series as soon as possible. The hepatitis B vaccine is a 3-shot series taken over the span of 6 months. The first shot can be given at any time. The second dose should be given at least one month after the first shot, and the third and final dose should be

    https://www.hepb.org/blog/partner-diagnosed-hepatitis-b-can-transmission-prevented-vaccination/
  • Talk with Dr. Block: An Expert's Insight into a Hepatitis B Cure- Part 1

    … companies, and we kept the interest strong. The Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center has now grown into a place for hepatitis B education and collaboration for professionals and students alike. We host regular seminars that provide updates on current research in the field and provide a welcoming environment for other hepatitis B experts to share their knowledge through presentations, guest lectures, and interactive discussions. Nowadays, we have entered a clinical renaissance; people have a renewed interest in hepatitis B. Our job is to keep the attention focused on the infection and the people who are affected by it. We remain committed, resolved and steady. The Hepatitis B Foundation is the organization that is there for the patients. Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based upon recent research and updates in the field. Please note that timelines and specific information regarding hepatitis B drugs are estimations and are subject to change as new research emerges.

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/talk-dr-block-experts-insight-hepatitis-b-cure-part-1/
  • Holidays with Hepatitis B: How to Tell Your Family

    Image courtesy of Unsplash As the holidays approach, families are planning parties and dinners and preparing to spend time with their loved ones. In such a merry atmosphere, the idea of discussing hepatitis B - whether its a recent diagnosis or the first time that you are ready to disclose your status - may be intimidating. However, it doesn’t have to be! In honor of  National Family Health History Day - which falls on Thanksgiving - we put together some tips to help you start the conversation.   Start Small - Facing your entire family at once can be frightening in any situation. Consider pulling one or two family members that you trust aside and speak with them first. They might offer advice on how to tell the rest of the family. Come Prepared - Although chronic hepatitis B is the world’s most common risk factor for liver cancer, there is a universal lack of education and awareness about the infection. Use our fact sheets to help your loved ones understand what hepatitis B is, how it impacts your liver, and what it means to live with it.  For more fact sheets and to view them in different languages, click here. Be sure to let your family know that hepatitis B is spread by direct blood contact, not through casual interactions. They cannot be infected by sharing the same utensils as you, eating food prepared by you, or casual touches such as hugging. Be Encouraging - Most people who are diagnosed with hepatitis B live long, healthy lives! Let your family know that you are monitoring the infection and taking the necessary precautions to prevent liver damage. Your family will be happy to know that you are in control of your health! Let them know how to help - Although you may be able to Image courtesy of Canva manage hepatitis B by yourself, creating a support network is always a good idea! Do you have any active family members?  Exercise is great for the liver, so ask them to come along next time you go for a bike ride or hit the gym! Maybe you

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/holidays-hepatitis-b-tell-family/
  • What blood tests are important to diagnose and evaluate my hepatitis B infection?

    In order to understand your hepatitis B status, it is important that your doctor order the hepatitis B blood panel. This panel includes 3 basic biomarkers, but only one sample of blood is needed. Make sure you request a written copy of your blood test results so that you fully understand what tests were ordered and the actual results of each. Also, be sure to have your doctor clearly explain the results to you so that you fully understand your situation. It is important to wait 6-8 weeks after a possible exposure before getting tested.  If done before this time (known as “the window period”), the blood tests can have a false negative result. The window period is the time between exposure and the appearance of these markers in blood. The 3-part blood test includes the following: 1) Hepatitis B surface Antigen (HBsAg) - This directly tests for the presence of the hepatitis B virus. It should be negative if there is NO virus present. 2) Hepatitis B surface Antibody (HBsAb or anti-HBs) - This tests for the production of protective antibodies against the hepatitis B virus. This blood test should be positive if the protective antibodies are produced in response to vaccination or recovery from a natural infection. 3) Hepatitis B core Antibody (HBcAb or anti-HBc) - This antibody does not provide any protection. A positive result may indicate that a person has been exposed to the hepatitis B virus. This test must be interpreted in relation to the above 2 test results. Please note that all three blood test markers are interpreted in relation to each other. Depending on one marker alone may not provide the full or accurate picture of your hepatitis B status.  Find more Frequently Asked Questions here.    Page updated 02/09/2022

    https://www.hepb.org/what-is-hepatitis-b/faqs/what-blood-tests-are-important-to-diagnose-and-evaluate-my-hepatitis-b-infection/
  • B Informed Social Media Toolkit

    Please find below our B Informed social media toolkit, designed to raise awareness about, stop stigma around, promote testing for, and explain different aspects of hepatitis B. Please feel free to download, post, and share widely! Different sizes are available for Facebook/Instagram and Twitter.   Need suggestions on what to post? Download sample posts here. If you are interested in a co-branded version of any graphic below that includes the Hepatitis B Foundation logo, please contact info@hepb.org Quick Links Statistics | Vaccines | Testing | Monitoring/Care | Stigma | Liver Cancer | Symptoms | Blood Tests | Transmission | Acute vs. Chronic Hep B Statistics            Vaccines        Testing   Monitoring/Care Stigma Liver Cancer Symptoms Blood Tests   Transmission Acute vs. Chronic Hepatitis B  

    https://www.hepb.org/research-and-programs/300-million-reasons-campaign/social-media-toolkit/
  • Multi-Lingual Education Materials

    Hep B United Philadelphia is committed to serving diverse communities. Please find the education materials in different languages below.  Hepatitis B 101 Educational PowerPoints Below are hepatitis B educational PowerPoints that provide basic hepatitis B information for the general public. Topics discussed include, how hepatitis B is spread, how hepatitis B can be prevented, and how you can get tested for hepatitis B. The PowerPoint slides are available in Chinese, Vietnamese, and English. Feel free to download and share with your communities.  Hepatitis B 101 for Community PowerPoint in English  Hepatitis B 101 for Community PowerPoint in Vietnamese Hepatitis B 101 for Community PowerPoint in Chinese The PowerPoint resources above are supported by the National Library of Medicine (NLM), National Institutes of Health (NIH) under cooperative agreement number UG4LM012342 with the University of Pittsburgh, Health Sciences Library System. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health. Resource Guide from Organizations Serving the Greater Philadelphia Area On September 25th, 2020 Hep B United Philadelphia hosted a virtual health fair to gather individuals and organizations to discuss and share resources on how they have been serving the community during COVID-19. The resources discussed have been compiled into a PDF. Feel free to download and share with your communities.  Hep B United Philadelphia's Resource Guide Developed resources reported in this project are supported by the National Library of Medicine (NLM), National Institutes of Health (NIH) under cooperative agreement number UG4LM012342 with the University of Pittsburgh, Health Sciences Library System. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health

    https://www.hepb.org/research-and-programs/hep-b-united-philadelphia/resources/multi-lingual-education-materials/
  • Alice's Story

    Alice comes from a Chinese family where talking about illness is taboo. It was only when she became pregnant with her first child that she discovered she has hepatitis B. She learned then that her mother also has the virus and that it was probably transmitted to her at birth. Fortunately, Alice’s two children were screened and vaccinated at birth and tested negative for hepatitis B. Today, they are all committed advocates for prevention and care.   Alice's story is available in English and Cantonese.   English   Cantonese

    https://www.hepb.org/research-and-programs/patient-story-telling-project/alices-story/
  • Prevention Tips for Hepatitis B

    Hepatitis B Prevention Measures Hepatitis B is a vaccine-preventable disease. More than 1 billion doses of the hepatitis B vaccine have been given worldwide, and it is considered to be a very safe and effective vaccine to protect infants, children and adults from hepatitis B. Learn more. All sexual partners, family and close household members living with a chronically infected person should be tested and vaccinated. It is important to remember that hepatitis B is not spread casually! It is not spread by coughing, sneezing, hugging, cooking and sharing food. It is spread through direct contact with infected blood and bodily fluids. Additional Prevention Measures In addition to vaccination, there are other simple ways to help stop the spread of hepatitis B: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after any potential exposure to blood Use condoms with sexual partners Avoid direct contact with blood and bodily fluids Clean up blood spills with a fresh diluted bleach solution (mix 1 part bleach with 9 parts water) Cover all cuts carefully Avoid sharing sharp items such as razors, nail clippers, toothbrushes, and earrings or body rings Discard sanitary napkins and tampons into plastic bags Avoid illegal street drugs (injecting, inhaling, snorting, or popping pills) Make sure new, sterile needles are used for ear or body piercing, tattoos, and acupuncture

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