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  • New Report: Increasing Hepatitis B Awareness and Prevention in the Nail Salon Workforce

    North American Occupational Health and Safety Week (May 5-11) is a time to raise awareness about the importance of injury and illness prevention in the workplace! This week, we’re focusing on health and safety within the nail salon industry, specifically the risk for hepatitis B transmission and opportunities to increase awareness and education about hepatitis B among nail salon workers. In the U.S., the nail salon workforce is comprised mostly of Vietnamese Americans, with many being immigrants. Refugee and immigrant communities are often susceptible to worker exploitation (including labor trafficking) and encounter cultural and linguistic barriers that may leave them vulnerable to occupational health and safety risks, including hepatitis B transmission. During routine work, nail technicians may be exposed to a client’s blood or other bodily fluids. It is important for nail salon workers to take precautionary measures to protect themselves and their clients to prevent the potential spread of the hepatitis B virus. More importantly, the nail salon industry (including salon owners and state health departments or boards that regulate nail salons) should implement policies that support greater education, awareness, and prevention of hepatitis B transmission among its workforce. In October of 2011, the American College of Gastroenterology urged the need for increased surveillance and information on disinfection and infectious disease prevention, particularly for hepatitis B and C in nail salons. Since then, no major research or analysis has been conducted to better understand hepatitis B transmission or the policies that protect nail salon workers. In a new report released by the Hepatitis B Foundation, “The Impact of Nail Salon Industry Policies and Regulations on Hepatitis B Awareness and Prevention,” we seek to further understand the nail salon industry landscape through analyzing state policies that govern nail salons and identify strategies to support

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/new-report-increasing-hepatitis-b-awareness-prevention-nail-salon-workforce/
  • Hemochromatosis: Treatment, the Liver, and Hepatitis B

    … a more severe version of the disorder called juvenile hemochromatosis. With juvenile hemochromatosis, patients experience an excessive amount of iron overload that can lead to liver and heart damage between the ages of 15 and 30. Hemochromatosis, the Liver, and Hepatitis B While the body needs a certain amount of iron to function, iron overload can be dangerous.  Hemochromatosis can lead to two major liver issues: hepatomegaly and cirrhosis. Hepatomegaly is the enlargement of the liver and cirrhosis is the scarring of the liver. Both issues can impair the liver’s ability to function and filter out toxins that enter the body. They can also increase a person’s risk of developing liver cancer. Recently, two major studies by the University of Exeter and the U.K. University of Connecticut, and the U.S. National Institute on Aging have found that a person living with hemochromatosis has four times the risk of developing a liver disease than a person who is living with the disorder. For individuals living with hepatitis B, it is extremely important to understand any behaviors or conditions that may have a negative impact on your liver. Since one liver disease can increase your risk of another liver disease, it is important to identify the disorder as early as possible, especially if you have any of the following risk factors: Risk Factors for Hereditary Hemochromatosis: Men or postmenopausal women Of Northern European descent Having a relative with hemochromatosis Risk Factors for Secondary Hemochromatosis: Alcoholism Family history of diabetes, heart disease, or liver disease Taking iron or vitamin C supplements Hepatitis B patients do not have an increased risk of developing hemochromatosis4. However, if you have any of the above risk factors, it is important to get tested. Hemochromatosis can easily be identified by a comprehensive look at a person’s family health history, a physical exam, and a simple blood sample. Your doctor will then use the blood

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/hemochromatosis-treatment-liver-hepatitis-b/
  • Valentine's Day: Dating, Love, and Hepatitis B

    … one year and would provide long term protection. Those that choose a shortened schedule will not have long term protection from hepatitis B if they do not complete the fourth dose. And your partner should have their blood tested 4 weeks after their last vaccine dose to confirm that they are protected. I’m scared to tell my partner that I have hepatitis B. It can be intimidating to tell a person something so personal, especially if you are uncertain about how they will react. However, it is extremely important! Even if you are using condoms, it is necessary to let your partner know your status before becoming intimate. Once you tell them, it will be a huge relief! So, how can you prepare for the conversation? Research: hepatitis B can be confusing, so it is important that you both are familiar with the infection, including how it is transmitted! Apart from HBF’s website, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has great information and handouts (in multiple languages!) on the infection. Consider printing one or two fact sheets out for your partner to look over. Take a deep breath: Don’t rush into the conversation. Take a moment to think about what you want to say. This will help you to stay calm and allow the conversation to progress. Remember to let your partner talk as well! Speak confidently: Don’t let hepatitis B speak for you! Let your partner know what you’ve learned about your infection and inform them that you are regularly visiting the doctor to monitor the infection. Speaking confidently can help keep them calm as well, and assure them that there is nothing to worry about! If they react badly to the news at first, don't worry! Everybody processes things at different rates and many people fear what they don’t understand. Try giving them some space and let them think about the information they’ve been given. You can also show them Heng’s #justB video; it tells the story of a man who fell in love and married a woman who is

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/valentines-day-dating-love-hepatitis-b/
  • Know the Risk: Transmission Through Tattoos & Piercings

    … where you can get tested in the U.S., visit www.hepbunited.org. If you have been diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B, our Physicians Directory*  can help you locate a liver specialist near you. The World Hepatitis Alliance can also help you find health care services and hepatitis B education in your country. *Disclaimer The Hepatitis B Foundation Liver Specialist Directory is intended for use by the public to assist in locating a liver specialist within a specific state or country. All data is self-reported and is not intended for use by organizations requiring credentialing verification. The HBF does not warrant the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or appropriateness for a particular purpose of the information contained in the Liver Specialist Directory. The HBF does not endorse the individuals listed in the service, nor does HBF verify medical qualifications, licenses, practice areas or suitability of those listed. In no event shall the HBF be liable to you or anyone else for any decision made or action taken by you based upon the information provided in the service. Note: This is not a physician referral service. The HBF cannot provide referrals to specific physicians nor advice on individual medical problems.

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/know-risk-transmission-tattoos-piercings/
  • The Link Between Hepatitis B and Liver Cancer

    … to the prevention of liver cancer. Approximately 292 million people around the world are living with hepatitis B. Liver Cancer by the Numbers: 10% of the world’s liver transplants are due to hepatitis B 60% of liver cancer diagnoses are due to cases of chronic hepatitis B 43% of liver cancer deaths are due to chronic hepatitis B 788,000 people die from liver cancer annually 15% - 25% of people who were infected with hepatitis B at birth will die prematurely from cirrhosis, liver failure, or hepatocellular carcinoma, if their hepatitis B is not diagnosed and appropriately managed 80% of liver cancer patients are in sub-Saharan Africa & in Eastern Asia Preventing Liver Cancer Educating oneself is the first step in preventing liver cancer! If you have hepatitis B, be aware of the risk factors and behaviors that can increase your likelihood of liver damage and liver cancer, such as consuming alcohol and high amounts of junk food. Groups such as the CDC Division of Viral Hepatitis, the American Cancer Foundation, the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, and the Cancer Support Community all provide free fact sheets, call lines, and literature by experts that can help you understand what may be occurring in your body and to make educated choices. You can also check out our Liver Cancer Connect resource for more information or for liver cancer support. Did you know that the hepatitis B vaccine is the first anti-cancer vaccine ever created? That’s because it helps to prevent liver cancer! Remember that the vaccine is typically given in a set of 3 doses. It is extremely important to take all three in order to receive lifelong protection from hepatitis B-related liver cancer: with the first dose you 50% protected, with the second dose you are 80% protected, and with the third dose, you are 100% immune to hepatitis B. In the U.S., there is also a 2-dose vaccine available, so you can be fully protected with fewer doses! If you are worried about

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/link-hepatitis-b-liver-cancer/
  • Liver Cancer Awareness Month

    Every year in October we recognize Liver Cancer Awareness Month. This is an important health observance because almost 300 million people worldwide are living with hepatitis B, and that puts them at higher risk for developing liver cancer.  The Link Between Liver Cancer and Hepatitis B The most common type of liver cancer is “primary liver cancer” or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Worldwide, the most common risk factor for primary liver cancer is chronic infection with the hepatitis B virus. Chronic viral hepatitis infections (hepatitis B and hepatitis C) cause about 80% of all liver cancers. Obesity, heavy alcohol use, fatty liver disease (NAFLD or NASH), and some metabolic disorders also increase the risk for primary liver cancer. People chronically infected with hepatitis B are more likely to develop liver cancer than uninfected people because the virus directly and repeatedly attacks the liver. These attacks over time can lead to increased liver damage, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), and ultimately, liver cancer. People with hepatitis B may also be at risk for liver cancer in the absence of cirrhosis. Those who have chronic hepatitis B can reduce their risk of liver cancer through regular medical monitoring, including liver cancer surveillance, taking antiviral treatment if necessary, and making healthy lifestyle changes. The best way to prevent liver cancer is to prevent hepatitis B infection! This is why hepatitis B vaccination is so important. When someone gets vaccinated to protect them from getting hepatitis B, they are also helping to prevent liver cancer! Resources to Learn More About Liver Cancer - Liver Cancer Connect is a program of the Hepatitis B Foundation that was created to provide individuals and families with the information and support they need when facing the challenge of primary liver cancer. - Read two liver cancer and hepatitis B vignettes that highlight real life experiences here: Ignore it till it goes away & If it's not broken, don't fix it.  - Video with liver expert, Dr. Gish discussing the importance of liver cancer surveillance. Watch it here.  - The B Heppy Podcast has a great episode with Dr. Rothstein about the relationship between liver cancer and hepatitis B. Listen here.  - The International Liver Cancer Movement (ILCM) is an excellent resource for all things liver cancer. Visit their website here.   - Seek Community Support: HepBCommunity.org is a global peer-led, volunteer-driven forum to support those living with and affected by hep B. They are dedicated to connecting people affected by hepatitis B with each other and verified experts in the field, who provide trustworthy and accurate advice. Thank you for stopping by to learn more about Liver Cancer Awareness Month and the connection between liver cancer and hepatitis B. How Can I Help? If you would like to help support cutting-edge research and programs that fight liver cancer, please donate here. 

    https://www.hepb.org/news-and-events/liver-cancer-awareness-month/
  • Hepatitis B Foundation Welcomes Two New Board Members

    Pharmaceutical industry executive Wayne Yetter and engineering industry executive Craig Esterly to serve on board of national nonprofit research and disease advocacy organization. DOYLESTOWN, Pa. (January 2015) – The Hepatitis B Foundation (www.hepb.org) is pleased to announce that engineer and business owner Craig Esterly and pharmaceutical industry executive Wayne Yetter have joined its board of directors. “We are proud to welcome two new additions to our board of directors who bring with them broad and deep experience in the healthcare arena,” said Dr. Timothy Block, President of the Hepatitis B Foundation and the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center. “Craig and Wayne are a great fit for the Hepatitis B Foundation and we are glad to have them join us at a time when even more promising research into hepatitis B therapies is on the near horizon.” Yetter had a 30-year career in the pharmaceutical industry and held executive positions at Pfizer, Merck, Astra Merck (now Astra Zeneca) and Novartis. His roles included Vice President Far East and Pacific at Merck, founding CEO of Astra Merck, and President and CEO of Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp., the U.S. division of Novartis AG. He also served as COO of IMS Heath, a healthcare market research company, and as Chairman and CEO of Synavant, Inc., a spin-off of IMS. He has served as Chairman of the Board and Lead Director of several public biotech and healthcare companies. He received his undergraduate degree in biology from Wilkes University and an MBA from Bryant University. A resident of Solebury Twp., Pennsylvania, Yetter previously served on the boards of directors of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers Association, and the National Pharmaceutical Council. He also was a member of the board of trustees for Wilkes University for 12 years and currently serves as a director of the SEI Center for Advanced Studies in Management at the Wharton School. Esterly co-founded and is the managing member of SD Asset Group, LLC, a holding company for captive co-founded engineering and construction companies, as well as private investments. Previously, he served as a turnaround chief executive for both public and private businesses. Esterly holds an undergraduate degree in mineral engineering from Pennsylvania State University and an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh. Now living in Punta Gorda, Florida, Esterly serves on the board of directors of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s Presbyterian Shadyside Hospitals and Shadyside Hospital Foundation, as well as the mental health advocacy group, LEAD Pittsburgh. He previously has served on the boards of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, East Liberty Family Health Care Center, Pittsburgh Presbyterian Foundation and Social Venture Partners Pittsburgh.

    https://www.hepb.org/news-and-events/hepatitis-b-foundation-welcomes-two-new-board-members-4/
  • Peter V's Story

    After being on medication for hepatitis B for more than a decade, Peter’s GI doctor told him that his reduced viral load meant he could stop taking his medication. Just a year and a half later, Peter was in the hospital awaiting a liver transplant. Fortunately, a donor was found, and Peter is recovering well. He realizes that his GI doctor may not have understood the dangers of taking him off his hepatitis B medicine, and he has now found a trusted hepatologist to monitor his condition moving forward. Related Blog Post: I had a Liver Transplant Because of Hep B: Here’s What You Should Know  

    https://www.hepb.org/research-and-programs/patient-story-telling-project/peter-vs-story/
  • Protect Your Loved Ones

    It is important to make sure you prevent transmission of the hepatitis B virus to those you love: The first step is to have household family members and sexual partners tested and vaccinated if they are not infected, or have not recovered from a past HBV infection Hepatitis B can be spread through direct contact with blood – blood to blood, unprotected sex, and contact with infected bodily fluids, so until you know that your family members are protected: avoid unprotected sex – use latex or polyurethane condoms. don’t share personal items like razors, needles, nail clippers, tooth brushes or earrings, body jewelry – anything that might have trace amounts of blood on them. make sure you keep all cuts and open sores covered clean all blood spills with a fresh 1:9 solution of bleach and water (1 part bleach to 9 parts water), making sure gloves are used. Once you are sure that loved ones are protected through vaccination, you do not have to worry about possibly infecting them. If you wish to confirm that your family member is protected, you can have the doctor run an anti-HBs titer test 1-2 months following the last shot of the vaccine series. Hepatitis B is NOT spread through casual contact, hugging, coughing, sneezing, or eating food prepared by someone who is infected, or eating dinner with him or her. You do not have to worry about these things even before your family members are protected by the vaccine. So, even while your family members or sexual partners are completing the vaccine series, you do not have to worry about transmitting the virus through casual contact.

    https://www.hepb.org/treatment-and-management/adults-with-hepatitis-b/protect-your-loved-ones/
  • Vaccine Safety

    Hepatitis B Vaccine Safety The hepatitis B vaccine is considered one of the most safe and effective vaccines ever produced. The most highly respected public health agencies and professional medical associations have rigorously studied the safety of the hepatitis B vaccine. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and many different medical societies have concluded that there is no confirmed evidence that the hepatitis B vaccine causes: autism, autoimmune disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic illness, guillian-barre syndrome, multiple sclerosis, optic neuritis, rheumatoid arthritis, seizures, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), or transverse myelitis. If you have any questions about vaccine safety, call or email  the CDC National Immunization Information 1-(800) CDC-INFO (or 1-800-232-4636) TTY: (888) 232-6348 Email: CDC-Info To Report a Vaccine Adverse Event Call the  Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at 1-(800) 822-7967 You can also complete the VAERS Form online.

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