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  • Provide Feedback for the Hepatitis B Foundation's Blog!

                      Hello Readers! The Hepatitis B Foundation Blog is an important source of information for people living with hepatitis B, public health advocates and partners, and the general public. This is why it's so important to keep our blog relevant and up-to-date with everything hepatitis B related! In an effort to improve our work, we are conducting a short survey to hear from you and create content that matters to you. Our survey should only take 1-3 minutes of your time but your responses will make a huge difference in the readership experience. Please click the link below to complete our survey! Click here for our survey! Thank you for supporting our blog!

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/provide-feedback-hepatitis-b-foundations-blog/
  • New Year's Resolutions: Taking Control of Your Hepatitis B Infection

    If you are living with chronic hepatitis B, you may feel as though you are not in control of your health, but that’s not true! Small changes to your daily life can go a long way towards improving your liver health and may even prevent liver damage from occurring. Here are five New Year’s resolutions to help you start 2019 off right! Kick Your Old Habits to the Curb: Still smoking? Time to leave that behind! Old habits can be hard to break, but staying healthy is important. Did you know that insurance plans in the United States must cover smoking cessation programs through preventive care under the Affordable Care Act? This means that copayments and coinsurance can’t be applied to these programs. Taking the first step is better for your liver and your wallet! Cook More: Cooking can be a lot of work, but it can also be fun! Regularly eating fast-food and highly processed meals are bad for your liver and can leave you feeling lethargic, so try switching things up. Consider signing up for a cooking class with your friends or family to learn some new tricks in the kitchen. You don’t have to make every meal from scratch; start by making one or two fresh meals a week and increase them as you feel more confident. Don’t know where to start? Try one of these recipes - desserts included!  There is no standard diet for chronic hepatitis B patients, but the American Cancer Society’s low fat, low cholesterol, and high fiber meal ideas are a good, general diet to follow. Write it Down: It can be difficult to remember all of the things Courtesy of Unsplash that you have to do and important tasks - like scheduling your doctor appointments - can get lost in the shuffle. Make 2019 the year that you start to write things down. Physically writing items down increases your chances of remembering them, so skip the Notes application on your phone and grab a piece of paper! Make Some Time For Yourself: Stress is bad for every part of your body - including the liver - so it

    https://www.hepb.org/blog/new-years-resolutions-taking-control-hepatitis-b-infection/
  • Join us for a Twitter Chat for Liver Cancer Awareness Month!

    October is Liver Cancer Awareness Month. Often we neglect to think about the link between hepatitis and liver cancer. Tuesday, Oct. 16, representatives from Hepatitis B Foundation, CDC’s Division of Viral Hepatitis, and NASTAD will co-host a twitter chat at 3 p.m. EST to discuss this important link. Featured guests include Prevent Cancer Foundation, Hep B United Philadelphia (HBUP) and Iowa Harm Reduction Coalition. Prevent Cancer Foundation is a national nonprofit dedicated to cancer prevention and early detection. HBUP is a Hep B United partner committed to testing and vaccination to fight hepatitis B and liver cancer in Philadelphia. Iowa Harm Reduction Coalition is a non-profit organization providing non-judgmental and compassionate services that empower people to care for themselves and one another. Below are the questions to be discussed during the chat. How can you contribute?  Join the conversation that day and throughout the month with the hashtag #Liverchat. Share any resources or strategies you have that raise awareness about the link between liver cancer and hepatitis. Q1:What are things everyone should know about liver cancer, and also the link between hepatitis and liver cancer? Q2: What can people do to prevent hepatitis, or for those living with hepatitis, what can be done to protect the liver and prevent liver cancer? Q3: What are the barriers that keep people from getting screened for hepatitis and liver cancer and how can they be addressed? Q4: Why are some populations more vulnerable to hepatitis and liver cancer, and how do we address the disparities? Q5: What resources are available to educate others about hepatitis B & C and liver cancer? What resources are needed? Q6: Who are your key partners in addressing liver cancer? Who would you like to engage more in your work? (Tag them here!) Q7: What is one lesson learned or piece of advice for others who want to expand their work on the link between viral hepatitis and liver

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/thinkaboutthelink-hepatitis-liver-cancer-join-us-twitter-chat/
  • Creating a #HepBFree Future in Arizona

    … this, we worked with a provider who helped by offering the opportunity for their patients to share their experiences. The patients could then choose whether to contact us or not. We also assured those that chose to speak that we would not publish any of the stories without their explicit approval and consent. To respect participant time and efforts and reduce the labor required of them for the event, APCA took great care to do as many of the preparations as possible, simplify the questions being asked, and conduct the events in a manner that respected their emotional labor and centered their explicit consent. Hepatitis B In Arizona Centered upon vulnerable populations such as older Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) adults who were born before certain vaccine policies, APCA’s hepatitis B work includes addressing policy issues, access to care, and direct services. Direct services around hepatitis B included screenings, vaccinations, and referrals to care and treatment. In the past, APCA tested 2,869 people and found that 6.7% had active hepatitis B infections. An additional 31.2% were not vaccinated.                                                                                      Arizona’s hepatitis B story mirrors that of the United States overall. From 2006 – 2015, an average of 979 chronic hepatitis B and 128 acute hepatitis B cases were reported each year in Arizona, though there has been a decrease in the number of acute hepatitis B cases identified in recent years. 
The rate of new reports of acute hepatitis B was highest among persons aged 40-44 years. Chronic hepatitis B rates were highest among those 30-34 years. 
The average annual rate of hepatitis B infection among Asians/ Pacific Islanders was much higher than other racial/ethnic groups (1,2).  Looking Towards the Future The mini-grant opportunity will help to launch #HepBFreeArizona - a campaign aimed at eradicating hepatitis B in the

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/6600-2/
  • Celebrate Father's Day By Protecting Your and Your Family’s Health -- Get Tested for Hepatitis B

    William and his family. Click here to watch his story. By Christine Kukka After our daughter was diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B 20 years ago, my doctor explained that every household member, including my husband, had to be tested for the liver infection that’s transmitted by direct contact with blood and body fluids. ASAP. The good news was my daughter was healthy and had no signs of liver damage, but my husband and I were shaken to the core by her diagnosis. Weighed down by worry and ignorance, I feared we might all be infected and faced a death sentence. I drove out to my husband’s work and we went for a walk. I explained what the doctor had said and explained he had to get tested. It was one of those moments when fear and denial play out over the course of a conversation. Like everyone, he was afraid to get tested. He felt fine, at first he didn’t want to know whether he was infected. For a few moments, he thought ignorance might be less painful than finding out he had hepatitis B. And, as in most families, this disclosure wasn’t easy. He had children from his first marriage who were with us every weekend and they had to be tested too. He would have to share this information with his former wife. This disclosure was going to upend two households. After a few minutes of waffling and processing, he did what courageous fathers do. He got tested and made sure his children were tested too. The news was all good. His children had been immunized and were fine, he was not infected and was immediately immunized. Today, we are all doing fine, including our daughter. Every father’s day, I think about that moment, when my husband refused to  retreat into denial, and put his family’s health ahead of his initial impulse to hide from a frightening and messy situation. It is what being a good father is all about, and it takes courage. For another story about hepatitis B and fatherhood, please view the Storyteller video featuring William's Story: #justB

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/celebrate-fathers-day-protecting-families-health-get-tested-hepatitis-b/
  • If chronic hepatitis B is a silent disease, why do I have symptoms?

    There have been several studies about symptoms of hepatitis B, and these studies clearly show that people living with hepatitis B commonly experience fatigue, tiredness, muscle pain, abdominal pain (especially above where the liver is), nausea and vomiting. It is important that you share any symptoms you have with your doctor to help manage these symptoms, and people in your close circle (family and friends), so they can understand your daily challenges, and support you in the most appropriate way. Even if a person has normal liver enzymes and low or undetectable hepatitis B viral load, they might still feel symptoms related to their hepatitis B – although not all healthcare providers recognize that people with normal lab tests can still feel sick from their hepatitis B. Hepatitis B Foundation conducted a global survey about the lived experiences of hepatitis B, and respondents from around the globe shared the physical symptoms they experience. It is also very important to ensure that other conditions are also ruled out such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, gastrointestinal issues or even H. pylori, all of which are also common globally and may have symptoms associated with them. You may also want to join the free online Hep B Community to talk with others, ask questions, and learn from global experts about their experiences and how they manage these symptoms.   Find more Frequently Asked Questions here.    Page updated 12/27/2022

    https://www.hepb.org/what-is-hepatitis-b/faqs/if-chronic-hepatitis-b-is-a-silent-disease-why-do-i-have-symptoms/
  • Imerman Angels One-on-One Cancer Support

    No one should face a liver cancer diagnosis alone. Building a strong support system can be helpful for people living with liver cancer. The Hepatitis B Foundation has partnered with Imerman Angels to match mentors, also known as Mentor Angels, with those living with liver cancer for one-on-one support. If you are a liver cancer fighter, survivor or caregiver interested in providing support to others with liver cancer, please consider becoming a mentor. Mentors complete training through Imerman Angels and will be matched with those seeking support. Register now to become a mentor here! Learn more about mentorship here! Request a mentor here!

    https://www.hepb.org/research-and-programs/liver/resources/imerman-angels-one-on-one-cancer-support/
  • Nancy's Story

    Nancy recounts the story of her father’s death. She and her family tried to get him into treatment, but it was too late; liver cancer had spread throughout his body. Nancy did not know how long her father had been living with hepatitis B. She wonders what could have been done, if only the family had known of the importance of screening and found out earlier about her father’s status. Nancy's story is available in English and with Korean subtitles.   English   English with Korean subtitles

    https://www.hepb.org/research-and-programs/patient-story-telling-project/nancys-story/

  • Genel Bilgi Hepatit B nedir?Hepatit B dünyanın en sık görülen karaciğer enfeksiyonudur. Nedeni karaciğere saldıran ve zarar veren hepatit B virüsüdür (HBV). Kan, korunmasız cinsel ilişki, paylaşılan veya tekrar kullanılan iğnelerle ve hamilelik veya doğum sırasında enfekte bir anneden yenidoğan bebeğe geçer. Çoğu enfekte yetişkin kendilerindeki hepatit B virüsünden bir problem olmadan kurtulabilir. Ancak bazı yetişkinler ve çoğu enfekte bebek ve çocuk virüsten kurtulamazlar ve kronik (ömür boyu) enfeksiyon gelişir. Burada iyi olan hepatit B enfeksiyonunu önlemek için güvenli bir aşı olması ve zaten hepatit B enfeksiyonu olanlar için yeni tedavilerin bulunmasıdır. Hepatit B'den kaç kişi etkilenmiştir?Dünya çapında 2 milyar kişi (3 kişiden 1'i) hepatit B ile enfektedir ve 257 milyon kişi kronik olarak enfektedir (yani virüsten kurtulamamaktadırlar). Her yıl hepatit B ve komplikasyonları nedeniyle tahmini 700.000 kişi ölür. Hepatit B neden dünyanın bazı kısımlarında daha sıktır?Hepatit B her yaş ve etnik kökenden kişileri enfekte edebilir ama dünyada hepatit B'nin daha sık görüldüğü yerler mevcuttur: örneğin Asya, Afrika ve Güney Amerika'nın bazı kısımları, Doğu Avrupa ve Orta Doğu'daki kişilerin enfekte olma riski çok daha yüksektir. Hepatit B bu bölgelerde doğan Amerikalılar (veya ebeveynleri buralarda doğmuş olanlar) arasında da sıktır. Hepatit B dünyanın bazı bölgelerinde o bölgelerde hepatit B ile zaten enfekte olan kişi sayısı çok olduğundan daha sıktır. Hepatit B bir "Asya hastalığı" veya bir "Afrika hastalığı" olmasa da bu bölgelerden yüzlerce milyon kişiyi etkiler - ve bu nedenle hepatit B virüsünü başkalarına geçirebilecek daha fazla kişi vardır. Bu durum enfekte olma riskinizi arttırır. Enfekte olan daha az sayıda Batılı bulunduğundan bu grubun enfeksiyon riski daha düşüktür. Hepatit B'nin sık olduğu bölgelerde kişiler genellikle yenidoğan döneminde virüsü doğum sırasında bebeğine farkında olmadan geçiren bir anneden enfekte olurlar. Küçük çocuklar da enfekte bir aile üyesine gündelik yakın temas halinde yaşıyorsa risk altındadır. Bebekler ve çocuklarda kronik hepatit B enfeksiyonu gelişme olasılığı daha yüksektir çünkü genç bağışıklık sistemleri virüsü atmakta zorlanır. Siz veya aileniz haritada daha koyu mavi bir alandan geliyorsanız hepatit B enfeksiyonu açısından daha yüksek risk altında olabilirsiniz ve test yaptırma konusunda doktorunuzla konuşmanız gerekir. Hepatit B konusunda neden endişe duymalıyım?Kronik hepatit B durumu siroz veya karaciğer kanseri gibi ciddi karaciğer hastalığına neden olabilir. Test yaptırmak önemlidir çünkü erken tanı yaşamınızı kurtarabilecek erken tedaviyi mümkün kılabilir. Ayrıca enfekte kişiler virüsü başkalarına yayabilir. Çoğu kişi enfekte olduğunu bilmediğinden hastalığı birçok başka kişiye farkında olmadan yaymaktadırlar. Kişiler test olmazsa hepatit B bir ailede ve toplum içinde birçok nesil boyunca yayılabilir. Yanlış bilinen bir bilgi bir ailede birkaç nesil enfekte olabileceğinden hepatit B'nin "kalıtsal" olabileceğidir. Ancak hepatit B genetik bir hastalık DEĞİLDİR - hepatit B'nin nedeni sıklıkla anneden çocuğa bulaşma veya evde yanlışlıkla kana maruz kalma sonucunda aile üyeleri arasında bulaşmadır. Aileler hepatit B enfeksiyonu döngüsünü test yaptırıp aşılanarak ve tedavi olarak kırabilir. Hepatit B neden bu kadar tehlikeli?Hepatit B tehlikelidir çünkü insanları onlar farkında olmadan enfekte edebilen "sessiz bir enfeksiyondur". Hepatit B ile enfekte olan çoğu kişi enfeksiyonunun farkında değildir ve farkında olmadan virüsü kan veya enfekte vücut sıvıları yoluyla başkalarına geçirebilir. Kronik enfeksiyonu olanlarda yaşamın daha ilerideki dönemlerinde artmış karaciğer yetmezliği, siroz ve/veya karaciğer kanseri gelişmesi riski vardır. Virüs, saptanmadan karaciğere birçok yıl boyunca sessiz ve sürekli olarak saldırabilir. Akut hepatit B nedir?Bir akut hepatit B enfeksiyonu altı aya kadar sürebilir (belirtiler ile veya olmadan) ve enfekte kişiler virüsü bu süre içinde başkalarına geçirebilir. Akut bir enfeksiyonun belirtileri arasında iştah kaybı, eklem ve kas ağrısı, hafif ateş ve olası mide ağrısı vardır. Çoğu kişi belirti yaşamasa da belirtiler enfeksiyondan 60-150 gün sonra ve ortalama 3 ay sonra ortaya çıkabilir. Bazı kişiler bulantı, kusma, sarılık (gözler ve ciltte sararma) veya karın şişliği gibi daha şiddetli belirtiler yaşayabilir ve bunlar bir sağlık uzmanına gitmelerine neden olabilir. Basit bir kan testi ile hepatit B virüsünün bir kişinin kanında olup olmadığı söylenebilir. Akut hepatit B tanısı konduysa doktorun iyileşip iyileşmediğinizi veya kronik hepatit B enfeksiyonu geliştirip geliştirmediğinizi belirlemek için 6 ay sonra tekrar bir kan testi yapması gerekecektir. Sağlık uzmanınız kan testinizin artık kanınızda hepatit B virüsü olmadığını gösterdiğini söylemesine kadar başkalarını olası bir enfeksiyondan korumak önemlidir. Ayrıca cinsel partnerinizi/partnerlerinizi ve aile üyelerinizi (veya evde yakın temas halinde yaşayan kişileri) hepatit B için test ettirmek önemlidir. Enfekte olmadılarsa – ve hepatit B aşısı yapılmadıysa – hepatit B aşısı dizisinin başlanması gerekir. Akut hepatit B durumu olan kişilere özel hepatit B tedavisi yazılmaz – akut hepatit B enfeksiyonunu geçirecek bir tedavi yoktur ve yetişkinken enfekte olan kişilerin çoğu kendi kendine iyileşir. Ancak bazen şiddetli belirtileri olan bir kişi, genel destek sağlanması için hastaneye yatırılabilir. İstirahat ve belirtilerin takibi bu tıbbi bakımın temel hedefleridir. Akut bir enfeksiyonla "fulminan hepatit" adlı nadir ve yaşamı tehdit edici bir durum oluşabilir ve kişide ani karaciğer yetmezliği gelişebileceğinden hemen ve acil tıbbi bakım gerektirir. Bir akut hepatit B enfeksiyonu sırasında karaciğerinizi korumak için basit önlemler alkolden kaçınmak, sigara içmeyi kesmek veya sınırlamak, sağlıklı gıdalar yemek, yağlı yemekler veya kızartmalardan kaçınmak ve karaciğeriniz için güvenli olduklarından emin olmak üzere aldığınız tüm ilaçları (reçeteli veya reçetesiz ilaçlar, vitaminler veya bitkisel ilaçlar) sağlık uzmanınıza sormaktır. Ayrıca bu sırada varsa diğer sorularınızı da sorabilirsiniz. Vitaminler ve karaciğer sağlığı takviyelerinin kullanılması iyileşmenize muhtemelen yardımcı olmaz ve karaciğere iyilikten çok kötülük yapabilir. Akut bir enfeksiyondan iyileştiğinizden emin olmak için gerekli herhangi bir ek kan testi açısından sağlık uzmanınızı tekrar görmeyi unutmayın. Kronik hepatit B nedir?Hepatit B virüsü için altı aydan uzun süre (ilk kan testi sonucundan sonra) pozitif olan kişilere kronik enfeksiyon tanısı konur. Bu durum bağışıklık sisteminin hepatit B virüsünü atamadığı ve virüsün halen kan ve karaciğerde kaldığı anlamına gelir. Kronik bir enfeksiyonu tedavi ve takip etmenin etkin yolları vardır ama tam bir tedavi yoktur. Kronik enfeksiyonunuz varsa virüs muhtemelen yaşamınızın kalan kısmı boyunca kanınızda kalacaktır. Kronik hepatit B durumu olan kişiler farkında olmadan virüsü başkalarına geçirebilir. Kronik hepatit B, siroz veya karaciğer kanseri gibi ciddi karaciğer hastalıklarına neden olabilir. Kronik enfeksiyonu olan herkeste ciddi karaciğer hastalığı gelişmeyecektir. Ancak enfekte olmayan birine göre bu risk daha yüksektir. Kronik hepatit B enfeksiyonu gelişmesi riski kişinin hepatit B virüsüyle ilk enfekte olduğu yaşla ilişkilidir:• Enfekte yenidoğanlar ve bebeklerin %90'ında kronik hepatit B enfeksiyonu gelişecektir.• Enfekte çocukların (1-5 yaş) %50'sinde kronik hepatit B enfeksiyonu gelişecektir.• Enfekte yetişkinlerin %5-10'unda kronik hepatit B enfeksiyonu gelişecektir (yani %90'ı iyileşecektir)Sizde kronik hepatit B enfeksiyonu olduğunu öğrenmek çok rahatsız edici olabilir. Birçok kişide belirti olmadığından ve hepatit B virüsüne ilk maruz kalmalarından on yıllar sonra tanı konabileceğinden kronik hepatit B enfeksiyonu tanısı konması büyük bir sürpriz olabilir. Burada iyi olan kronik hepatit B durumu olan çoğu kişinin uzun ve sağlıklı bir ömür yaşamayı bekleyebileceğidir. Enfekte hamile kadınlar virüsü doğum sırasında yenidoğan bebeklerine geçirebilir. Bu nedenle yenidoğanların doğumda kronik olarak enfekte olması riski yüksek olduğundan hem Dünya Sağlık Örgütü (DSÖ) hem de ABD Hastalık Kontrol ve Önleme Merkezleri (CDC) tüm bebeklere doğumdan sonraki 12-24 saat içinde hepatit B aşısının ilk dozunun yapılmasını önerir. Hamileyseniz ve enfekte olabileceğinizi biliyorsanız bebeğinize doğumdan sonraki 12-24 saat içinde hepatit B aşısının ilk dozunun yapılmasını sağlayabilirsiniz!Kronik hepatit B enfeksiyonu için tam bir tedavi olmasa da hepatit B virüsünü kontrol edebilecek ve karaciğere zarar vermesini önleyebilecek etkin ilaç tedavileri vardır. Ayrıca henüz araştırma evresinde olan ve belki de çok yakın gelecekte tam bir tedavi sağlayabilecek ümit verici yeni ilaçlar vardır. Ciddi karaciğer hastalığı veya karaciğer kanseri gelişme riski kronik hepatit B durumuyla yaşayanlarda enfekte olmayanlara göre daha yüksek olsa da kişilerin riski azaltmaya yardımcı olması için yapabileceği birçok basit şey bulunmaktadır.• Bir karaciğer uzmanı veya hepatit B konusunda bilgili bir sağlık uzmanına karaciğerinizin sağlığını izleyebilmesi için altı ayda bir (veya en azından yılda bir) düzenli olarak gitmeyi planlayın.• Sağlık uzmanınıza kronik hepatit B enfeksiyonunuzun tedavisinin ciddi karaciğer hastalığı veya karaciğer kanserini önlemeye yardımcı olup olmayabileceği konusunda konuşun.• Sağlık uzmanınızın sizi düzenli ziyaretler sırasında karaciğer kanseri için taradığından emin olun çünkü erken saptama daha fazla tedavi seçeneği ve daha uzun ömür anlamına gelir.• Alkol ve sigara kullanımını sınırlayın veya bunlardan kaçının çünkü ikisi de karaciğerinize yük bindirir.• Kızarmış ve yağlı yemekler karaciğerinizi zorladığından bol miktarda sebzeli sağlıklı bir diyet yiyin. "Kronik taşıyıcı" olmak ne demektir?Birisinde kronik hepatit B enfeksiyonu olduğunda doktoru kendisinden "kronik taşıyıcı" olarak bahsedebilir. Bir "kronik taşıyıcı" olmak sizde kronik hepatit B enfeksiyonu bulunduğu ve virüsü başkalarına geçirebileceğiniz ve enfeksiyonunuz için bir doktorun takibi altında olmanız gerektiği anlamına gelir. Hepatit B için tam bir tedavi var mıdır?Çoğu yetişkin akut bir enfeksiyondan ilaca gerek olmadan kendiliğinden iyileşir. Kronik hepatit B enfeksiyonu gelişen yetişkinler, çocuklar ve bebekler için şu anda tam bir tedavi yoktur. Ancak burada iyi olan kronik enfekte kişilerde virüsü yavaşlatarak karaciğer hastalığının ilerlemesini yavaşlatabilecek tedaviler bulunmasıdır. Daha az hepatit B virüsü üretiliyorsa karaciğerde daha az hasar oluşur. Heyecan verici tüm yeni araştırmalarla yakın gelecekte kronik hepatit B için tam bir tedavinin bulunacağı konusunda büyük ümit vardır. Geliştirilen diğer ümit veren ilaçların listesi için Drug Watch (İlaç Haberleri) kısmımızı ziyaret edin. Benim hepatit B durumum için ne gibi seçenekler vardır?Akut bir enfeksiyon için genel olarak herhangi bir belirtiyi tedavi etmek üzere destekleyici önlemler ve istirahat dışında bir tedavi yoktur. Kronik hepatit B için birkaç tedavi mevcuttur. Kronik hepatit B durumu olan herkesi tedavi etmeye gerek olmadığını anlamanız önemlidir. İlaca gerek olup olmadığına veya bekleyip durumunuzun izlenmesinin uygun olup olmadığına karar vermeye doktorunuz yardımcı olacaktır. Hepatit B virüsünün çoğalmasını yavaşlatan veya durduran ve böylece karaciğerde iltihap ve hasarı azaltan birkaç antiviral ilaç mevcuttur. Bu antiviraller en az 1 yıl ve genellikle daha uzun bir süre boyunca günde bir kez bir hap olarak alınır. Şu anda ABD FDA onaylı 6 antiviral mevcuttur ama sadece üç "birinci basamak" antiviral ilaç önerilir: tenofovir disoproksil (Viread/TDF), tenofovir alafenamid (Vemlidy/TAF) ve entekavir (Baraclude). Birinci basamak antiviraller önerilir çünkü daha güvenli ve en etkili olanlardır. Birinci basamak antiviral tedavilere yanıt vermeyen veya bunlara erişimi olmayan kişiler için başka seçenekler mevcuttur: telbivudine (Tyzeka, Sebivo), adefovir dipivoksil (Hepsera) ve lamivudin (Epivir-HBV, Zeffix, Heptodin). FDA bu antiviralleri kronik hepatit B için onaylamış olsa da şu anda tam bir tedavi sağlamazlar. Ancak karaciğer hasarı ve karaciğer kanseri gelişme riskini önemli ölçüde azaltabilirler. Antivirallerin durdurulup başlatılması planlanmamıştır ve bu nedenle kronik hepatit B tedavisine başlamadan önce bilgili bir doktor tarafından kapsamlı bir değerlendirme çok önemlidir. Ayrıca hepatit B virüsünü kontrol etmeye yardımcı olmak üzere bağışıklık sistemini güçlendiren bağışıklık düzenleyici ilaçlar (immünomodülatörler) vardır. Bu ilaçlar 6 ay ila 1 yıl boyunca enjeksiyonlar şeklinde verilir. En sık yazılanlar arasında interferon alfa-2b (Intron A) ve pegile interferon (Pegasys) vardır. Sizin için varsa hangisinin en iyi olduğunu belirlemek üzere siz ve doktorunuzun tedavi seçeneklerini konuşması gerekir. Bu ilaçlar çoğu kişide hepatit B virüsünü azaltır veya durdurur. Bu durum birkaç ay sonra virüsün karaciğer hasarı yavaşladığı ve hatta ilaçlar uzun dönem alındıklarında geri döndürüldüğü için hastaların kendilerini daha iyi hissetmesiyle sonuçlanır. Hepatit B için FDA onaylı ilaçlar ve diğer ümit veren ilaçların tam bir listesi için Drug Watch (İlaç Haberleri) kısmımızı ziyaret edin. 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.

    https://www.hepb.org/languages/turkish/general-information/
  • Vivre avec l'hépatite B

    Vivre avec l'hépatite B  Puis-je guérir d'une infection par le virus de l'hépatite B ? La plupart des adultes en bonne santé ayant été récemment infectés guériront sans problème. Par contre, les bébés et les enfants en bas âge auront plus de mal à éliminer le virus. Adultes – 90 % des adultes en bonne santé élimineront le virus et guériront sans problème ; 10 % développeront une hépatite B chronique. Enfants en bas âge – jusqu'à 50 % des enfants infectés âgés de 1 à 5 ans développeront une hépatite B chronique. Nourrissons – 90 % deviendront porteurs chroniques ; seuls 10 % seront capables d'éliminer le virus.  Quelle est la différence entre l'hépatite B aiguë et l'hépatite B chronique ? On parle d'hépatite B « aiguë » pendant les six mois suivant l'exposition au virus. C'est le temps qu'il faut en moyenne pour guérir d'une infection par le virus de l'hépatite B. Si, au bout de six mois, le virus de l'hépatite B est toujours présent dans votre organisme (HBsAg+), vous serez considéré(e) comme porteur chronique, ce qui peut durer toute la vie.  Est-ce que je tomberai malade si je souffre d'hépatite B aiguë ? L'hépatite B est considérée comme une infection « silencieuse », car elle ne provoque souvent aucun symptôme. La plupart des personnes atteintes se sentent bien et ne savent pas qu'elles sont infectées. Elles peuvent donc transmettre le virus, à leur insu. D'autres peuvent présenter des symptômes plus légers comme de la fièvre, de la fatigue, des douleurs articulaires ou musculaires, ou une perte d’appétit, qui sont attribués par erreur à un état grippal. D’autres symptômes moins courants, mais plus graves incluent de fortes nausées et des vomissements, le jaunissement des yeux et de la peau (appelé « ictère ») et le gonflement de l’estomac ; ces symptômes exigent des soins médicaux immédiats, voire une hospitalisation. Comment savoir si je suis guéri(e) d'une hépatite B aiguë ? Une fois que votre médecin, en se basant sur les résultats de votre prise de sang, aura confirmé que vous avez éliminé le virus et développé des anticorps (HBsAb+), vous resterez protégé(e) contre toute infection future par le virus de l'hépatite B. Vous ne serez plus contagieux ou contagieuse. Que faire si j'ai été diagnostiqué(e) d'une hépatite B chronique ? Si, au bout de six mois, le virus de l'hépatite B est toujours présent dans votre organisme, cela indique que vous avez une hépatite B chronique. Vous devez prendre rendez-vous avec un hépatologue (médecin spécialisé dans les maladies du foie), un gastro-entérologue (médecin spécialisé dans les troubles de l'appareil digestif) ou un médecin généraliste expérimenté en matière d'hépatite B. Le médecin vous prescrira des analyses de sang et probablement une échographique du foie pour évaluer le degré d'activité du virus dans votre organisme et surveiller l'état de votre foie. Le médecin voudra probablement vous voir en consultation au moins une ou deux fois par an pour suivre l'évolution de votre hépatite B et déterminer si un traitement pourrait vous être bénéfique. Tous les porteurs chroniques devraient être vus par un médecin au moins une fois par an (voire plus souvent) pour un suivi médical, qu'ils soient sous traitement ou non. Même si le virus est dans une phase moins active où il provoque moins de dommages (voire pas du tout) au foie, cela peut changer. C'est pourquoi un suivi médical régulier est important. La plupart des porteurs chroniques peuvent s'attendre à vivre une longue vie en bonne santé. Une fois que vous avez été diagnostiqué(e) d'une hépatite B chronique, le virus peut rester dans votre sang et dans votre foie pour la vie. Il est important de savoir que vous pouvez transmettre le virus, même si vous ne vous sentez pas malade. C'est pour cette raison que toutes les personnes avec qui vous êtes en contact étroit (dont vos partenaires sexuels) devraient se vacciner contre l'hépatite B. Quels sont les examens de suivi d'une hépatite B chronique ? Les examens les plus souvent réalisés comprennent le profil sérologique du virus de l'hépatite B, des examens visant à évaluer la fonction du foie (ALT, AST), l'antigène HBe (HBeAg), l'anticorps HBe (HBeAb), la quantification de l’ADN du virus de l’hépatite B (la charge virale), et des tests d'imagerie médicale (échographie, FibroScan [élastométrie impulsionnelle] ou tomodensitogramme). Existe-t-il une cure contre l'hépatite B chronique ? À ce jour, il n'y a pas de cure contre l'hépatite B chronique. La bonne nouvelle est qu'il existe des traitements qui, en ralentissant le virus, peuvent contribuer à ralentir la progression de la maladie du foie chez les personnes porteuses d'une infection chronique. Moins le virus de l'hépatite B est produit, moins le foie est abîmé. Ces médicaments peuvent parfois éliminer le virus, mais c'est rarement le cas.  Grâce à la recherche médicale prometteuse, il y a de l'espoir qu'une cure contre l'hépatite B chronique soit découverte dans un avenir proche. Rendez-vous sur Drug Watch (observatoire des médicaments) pour y trouver une liste de médicaments prometteurs en cours de développement. Existe-t-il des médicaments homologués pour traiter l'hépatite B chronique ? Les traitements actuels contre l'hépatite B peuvent être classés en deux catégories : les antiviraux et les immunomodulateurs. Médicaments antiviraux – Ils peuvent ralentir ou inhiber le virus de l'hépatite B, ce qui réduit l'inflammation et les lésions au foie. Les antiviraux sont administrés sous forme de comprimé une fois par jour pendant au moins un an, souvent plus longtemps. Il existe six antiviraux homologués par la FDA. Seuls trois antiviraux de première ligne sont préconisés : ténofovir disoproxil (Viread/TDF), ténofovir alafénamide (Vemlidy/TAF) et entécavir (Baraclude). Les antiviraux de première ligne sont préconisés parce qu'ils sont plus sûrs et plus efficaces. Ces nouveaux médicaments présentent un meilleur profil de résistance que les anciens antiviraux. Cela signifie que, à condition d'observer la posologie prescrite, les mutations et la résistance sont moins probables. En développant une résistance aux antiviraux, le traitement et le contrôle du virus deviennent plus difficiles. Médicaments immunomodulateurs – Ils renforcent le système immunitaire afin d'aider à contrôler le virus de l'hépatite B. Ils sont administrés sous forme d'injections sur une période allant de six mois à un an. Parmi les immunomodulateurs les plus souvent prescrits figurent l'interféron alfa-2b (Intron A) et l'interféron pégylé (Pegasys). C'est le seul traitement préconisé aux patients qui sont infectés également par le virus de l'hépatite delta. Ces médicaments fournissent-ils une cure contre l'hépatite B chronique ? Même s'ils ne fournissent pas de cure complète, les traitements actuels ralentissent le virus et réduisent le risque de souffrir plus tard d'une maladie plus grave du foie. Ces personnes se sentent mieux après quelques mois parce que les médicaments ralentissent, voire inversent les dommages hépatiques causés par le virus, s'ils sont pris à long terme. Un traitement antiviral n'est pas à prendre à la légère. C'est la raison pour laquelle un bilan complet réalisé par un médecin expérimenté est crucial avant de commencer le traitement contre l'hépatite B chronique. Je souffre d'hépatite B chronique. Devrais-je prendre des médicaments ? Il est important de comprendre que toutes les personnes atteintes d'hépatite B chronique n'ont pas forcément besoin de prendre des médicaments. Vous devez parler à votre médecin pour décider si un traitement médicamenteux est adapté à votre cas. Que vous soyez sous traitement ou non, vous devez régulièrement consulter un hépatologue ou un médecin expérimenté en matière d'hépatite B.  La prise de compléments alimentaires et à base de plantes est-elle sûre, si je souffre d'hépatite B chronique ? De nombreux patients envisagent la prise de compléments vitaminés ou remèdes à base de plantes pour renforcer leur système immunitaire et assurer la bonne fonction de leur foie. Le problème est que les fabricants de ces produits ne sont soumis à aucune réglementation. Cela veut dire que l'innocuité et la pureté de ces substances ne font pas l'objet d'essais rigoureux. Par conséquent, la qualité des compléments vitaminés et de remèdes à base de plantes peut varier d'un flacon à un autre. De plus, certains remèdes à base de plantes peuvent interférer avec le traitement prescrit contre votre infection par le virus de l'hépatite B ou une autre maladie. Certains peuvent même endommager votre foie. Ces remèdes à base de plantes ne guériront pas votre hépatite B. Sur internet et les réseaux sociaux, de nombreuses entreprises font de fausses promesses au sujet de leurs produits. Les déclarations et témoignages en ligne et sur Facebook sont faux et utilisés pour inciter les consommateurs à acheter des remèdes et des compléments à base de plantes hors de prix. N'oubliez pas : si c'est trop beau pour être vrai, c'est que ça ne l'est sûrement pas. Vous trouverez ci-dessous une liste de sources fiables pour plus d'informations sur les plantes et la médecine douce. Ces informations se fondent sur des preuves scientifiques. Ce ne sont pas de fausses promesses. Vérifiez si les ingrédients actifs de vos remèdes ou compléments à base de plantes sont réels et sans danger pour votre foie. Le plus important est de protéger votre foie de toute lésion ou tout dommage supplémentaire. Quelles sont les mesures à prendre pour préserver son foiequand on souffre d'hépatite B chronique ? Les personnes atteintes d'hépatite B chronique peuvent avoir besoin ou non de traitement médicamenteux. Outre les médicaments, il existe d'autres moyens de protéger son foie et d'améliorer sa santé. Vous trouverez ci-dessous notre liste des dix choix sains pour rester en bonne santé. Adoptez-les dès aujourd'hui ! Prévoyez des consultations régulières chez un médecin ou un hépatologue pour le suivi de votre état de santé et de votre foie. Faites-vous vacciner contre le virus de l'hépatite A pour vous protéger des autres virus qui attaquent le foie. Évitez de boire de l'alcool et de fumer, car les deux sont nocifs pour votre foie. Il est déjà attaqué par le virus de l'hépatite B. Consultez votre médecin avant de commencer à prendre des vitamines, des compléments alimentaires et des remèdes à base de plantes, car ils peuvent interférer avec le traitement prescrit contre l'hépatite B et même endommager votre foie. Consultez votre pharmacien avant de prendre tout médicament sans ordonnance (par exemple : acétaminophène, paracétamol) ou tout médicament prescrit pour autre chose que votre hépatite B. Vous devez vous assurer qu'ils sont sûrs pour votre foie, car beaucoup de ces médicaments sont métabolisés (transformés) dans le foie.  Évitez d'inhaler les vapeurs de peintures, de diluants pour peintures, de colles, de produits d'entretien ménager, de dissolvants pour vernis à ongles et de toute autre substance chimique potentiellement toxique pouvant endommager le foie. Adoptez un régime alimentaire sain comprenant des fruits, des céréales complètes, du poisson et des viandes maigres, et beaucoup de légumes. Les études ont montré que ce sont notamment les légumes « crucifères » (choux, brocoli, chou-fleur) qui contribuent à la protection du foie contre les substances chimiques présentes dans l'environnement.  Évitez de consommer des mollusques et crustacés crus ou pas assez cuits (par exemple : palourdes, moules, huîtres, pétoncles). Ils peuvent être contaminés par une bactérie appelée Vibrio vulnificus qui est très nocive pour le foie et qui pourrait l'abîmer. Avant de consommer des noix, du maïs, des cacahuètes, du sorgho et du millet, vérifiez que ces aliments ne présentent pas de traces de moisissure. La moisissure peut apparaître lorsque les aliments sont conservés dans un lieu humide et que leur emballage n'est pas correctement fermé. S'ils sont moisis, ces aliments peuvent être contaminés par des aflatoxines ; facteurs de risque connus du cancer du foie. Réduisez le stress en mangeant sainement, en faisant régulièrement de l'exercice et en vous reposant suffisamment.  N'oubliez pas : tout ce que vous mangez, buvez, inhalez ou absorbez par la peau est filtré par le foie. Protégez votre foie et votre santé ! Puis-je donner mon sang si je souffre d'hépatite B ? Non. La banque de sang n'acceptera aucun don de sang ayant été exposé au virus de l'hépatite B même si vous avez guéri(e) d'une infection aiguë par le passé. Living with Hepatitis B  Will I recover from a hepatitis B infection? Most healthy adults who are newly infected will recover without any problems. But babies and young children may not be able to successfully get rid of the virus. Adults – 90% of healthy adults will get rid of the virus and recover without any problems; 10% will develop chronic hepatitis B. Young Children – Up to 50% of young children between 1 and 5 years who are infected will develop a chronic hepatitis B infection. Infants – 90% will become chronically infected; only 10% will be able to get rid of the virus. What is the difference between an "acute" and a "chronic" hepatitis B infection? A hepatitis B infection is considered to be “acute” during the first 6 months after being exposed to the virus. This is the average amount of time it takes to recover from a hepatitis B infection. If you still test positive for the hepatitis B virus (HBsAg+) after 6 months, you are considered to have a "chronic" hepatitis B infection, which can last a lifetime.  Will I become sick if I have acute hepatitis B? Hepatitis B is considered a "silent infection” because it often does not cause any symptoms. Most people feel healthy and do not know they have been infected, which means they can unknowingly pass the virus on to others. Other people may have mild symptoms such as fever, fatigue, joint or muscle pain, or loss of appetite that are mistaken for the flu. Less common but more serious symptoms include severe nausea and vomiting, yellow eyes and skin (called “jaundice”), and a swollen stomach - these symptoms require immediate medical attention and a person may need to be hospitalized. How will I know when I have recovered from an "acute" hepatitis B infection? Once your doctor has confirmed through a blood test that you have gotten rid of the virus from your body and developed the protective antibodies (HBsAb+), you will be protected from any future hepatitis B infection and are no longer contagious to others. What should I do if I am diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B? If you test positive for the hepatitis B virus for longer than 6 months, this indicates that you have a chronic hepatitis B infection. You should make an appointment with a hepatologist (liver specialist), gastroenterologist, or family doctor who is familiar with hepatitis B. The doctor will order blood tests and possibly a liver ultrasound to evaluate how active the hepatitis B virus is in your body, and to monitor the health of your liver. Your doctor will probably want to see you at least once or twice a year to monitor your hepatitis B and determine if you would benefit from treatment. All chronically infected people should be seen by their doctor at least once a year (or more frequently) for regular medical follow-up care, whether they start treatment or not. Even if the virus is in a less active phase with little or no damage occurring, this can change with time, which is why regular monitoring is so important. Most people chronically infected with hepatitis B can expect to live long, healthy lives. Once you are diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B, the virus may stay in your blood and liver for a lifetime. It is important to know that you can pass the virus along to others, even if you don’t feel sick. This is why it’s so important that you make sure that all close household contacts and sex partners are vaccinated against hepatitis B. What tests will be used to monitor my hepatitis B? Common tests used by doctors to monitor your hepatitis B include the hepatitis B blood panel, liver function tests (ALT, AST), hepatitis B e-Antigen (HBeAg), hepatitis B e-Antibody (HBeAb), hepatitis B DNA quantification (viral load), and an imaging study of the liver (ultrasound, FibroScan [Transient Elastography] or CT scan). Is there a cure for chronic hepatitis B? Right now, there is no cure for chronic hepatitis B, 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. Sometimes these drugs can even get rid of the virus, although this is not common.  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. Are there any approved drugs to treat chronic hepatitis B? Current treatments for hepatitis B fall into two general categories, antivirals and immune modulators: Antiviral Drugs - These are drugs that slow down or stop the hepatitis B virus, which reduces the inflammation and damage to the liver. These 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 treatments: tenofovir disoproxil (Viread/TDF), tenofovir alafenamide (Vemlidy/TAF) and Entecavir (Baraclude). First-line antivirals are recommended because they are safer and most effective. They also have a better resistance profile than older antivirals, which means that when they are taken as prescribed, there is less chance of mutation and resistance. Building resistance makes it harder to treat and control the virus. Immunomodulator Drugs - These are 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). This is the only recommended treatment for patients coinfected with hepatitis delta. Do these drugs provide a “cure” for chronic hepatitis B? Although they do not provide a complete cure, current medications will slow down the virus and decrease the risk of more serious liver disease later in life. 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. 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 HBV. If I have a chronic hepatitis B infection, should I be on medication? It is important to understand that not every person with chronic hepatitis B needs to be on medication. You should talk to your doctor about whether you are a good candidate for drug therapy. Whether you and your doctor decide you should start treatment or not, you should be seen regularly by a liver specialist or a doctor knowledgeable about hepatitis B. Is it safe to take herbal remedies or supplements for my hepatitis B infection? Many people are interested in using herbal remedies or supplements to boost their immune systems and help their livers. The problem is that there is no regulation of companies manufacturing these produces, which means there is no rigorous testing for safety or purity. So, the quality of the herbal remedy or vitamin supplement may be different from bottle to bottle. Also, some herbal remedies could interfere with your prescription drugs for hepatitis B or other conditions; some can even actually damage your liver. These herbal remedies will not cure a chronic hepatitis B infection. There are many companies that make false promises on the Internet and through social media about their products. Online claims and patient testimonials on Facebook are fake and are used to trick people into buying expensive herbal remedies and supplements. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, then it’s probably not true. Below are reliable sources of information about herbs and alternative medicines. This information is based on scientific evidence, not false promises. Check whether the active ingredients in your herbal remedies or supplements are real and safe for your liver. The most important thing is to protect your liver from any additional injury or harm. What healthy liver tips are there for those living with chronic hepatitis B? People living with chronic hepatitis B infection may or may not need drug treatment. But there are many other things patients can do to protect their liver and improve their health. Below is our list of the top 10 healthy choices that can be started today! Schedule regular visits with your liver specialist or health care provider to stay on top of your health and the health of your liver. Get the Hepatitis A vaccine to protect yourself from another virus that attacks the liver. Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking since both will hurt your liver, which is already being injured by the hepatitis B virus. Talk to your provider before starting any herbal remedies or vitamin supplements because some could interfere with your prescribed hepatitis B drugs or even damage your liver. Check with your pharmacist about any over-the-counter drugs (e.g. acetaminophen, paracetamol) or non-hepatitis B prescription drugs before taking them to make sure they are safe for your liver since many of these drugs are processed through your liver.  Avoid inhaling fumes from paint, paint thinners, glue, household cleaning products, nail polish removers, and other potentially toxic chemicals that could damage your liver. Eat a healthy diet of fruit, whole grains, fish and lean meats, and lot of vegetables. “Cruciferous vegetables” in particular -- cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower -- have been shown to help protect the liver against environmental chemicals.  Avoid eating raw or undercooked shellfish (e.g. clams, mussels, oysters, scallops) because they could be contaminated with bacteria called Vibrio vulnificus, which is very toxic to the liver and could cause a lot of damage. Check for signs of mold on nuts, maize, corn, groundnut, sorghum, and millet before using these foods. Mold is more likely to be a problem if food is stored in damp conditions and not properly sealed. If there is mold, then the food could be contaminated by “aflatoxins,” which are a known risk factor for liver cancer. Reduce your stress levels by eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and getting plenty of rest.  Keep in mind everything you eat, drink, breathe, or absorb through the skin is eventually filtered by the liver. So, protect your liver and your health! Can I donate blood if I have hepatitis B? No. The blood bank will not accept any blood that has been exposed to hepatitis B, even if you have recovered from an acute infection.

    https://www.hepb.org/languages/french/living-with-hepatitis-b/