There is a vaccination available for hepatitis B. It is given by injection in the arm. The first dose is followed by one a month later and another five months after that.
It is important to have all three doses of the vaccine because you will not be fully protected until you have had the third injection. (A booster injection is usually given 5 years after the initial injection). A blood test is sometimes recommended up to two months after the final injection to find out whether the vaccine has worked.
A few people will not respond to the vaccine and they may have to take another course, though some people may not respond to the vaccine at all. In exceptional circumstances, you may receive a quicker vaccination schedule of an injection at one month after your first, another injection a month later and a booster at one year.
Anyone who has been exposed to the virus should be given an injection of antibodies called immunoglobulin immediately as well as the vaccine, as there is not enough time to wait for the vaccine to work. People who may be exposed to the virus during the course of their work include nurses, doctors, prison wardens and dentists. They may need an injection of antibodies as well as the vaccine if they accidentally injure themselves with a needle contaminated with blood.
Newborn babies of infected mothers
Babies born to infected mothers are given an immediate injection of immunoglobulin as soon as possible after they are born to help prevent infection being transmitted from their mother.
At the same time a dose of the vaccine is given, followed by two doses, with a month in between each, with a booster dose 12 months later.
Family and friends
Partners, children and other household members of an infected person should be vaccinated. There is no risk of infection from normal social contact. For example, you cannot catch hepatitis B from a toilet seat or just by touching an infected person, so occasional visitors and friends do not need protection. The virus is thought to be killed by a hot wash in a washing machine and by using hot water and washing-up liquid on cutlery and plates.
Other people at risk
Doctors, dentists, nurses, prison officers and anyone else whose job may involve contact with
infectious body fluids should be vaccinated.
To reduce the risk of infecting others:
- carefully clean and cover cuts, scratches and open wounds with a waterproof plaster
- lean up blood from floors and work surfaces with undiluted household bleach
- do not use anyone else’s toothbrush, razor, scissors or other personal items
- practice safer sex by using a condom in circumstances where you are likely to be infected
- do not donate blood or semen or register as an organ donor.
If you are worried that you may have hepatitis B, you must contact your doctor.
Some things to consider before testing
Before you test for hepatitis B – and even after a positive result – there are several issues you might like to think about before you take action.
Who to tell
Even though you may be worried about a positive result, do not rush into making announcements. It is important that you take the time to understand how you became infected, whether you can infect others and what course your treatment may take. After this it will be clearer to you as to who needs to know you have the virus.
As you will look for comfort and support from those closest to you, it is likely you will tell them. It will be useful to work out what they will want to know before you do this.
Most people do not know very much about hepatitis B and how it is passed on. The virus is spread by blood to blood contact but a lot of people will think you can catch it like a cold or flu. They may think that shaking hands, hugging or even kissing an infected person will give them the virus.
Being able to answer their questions will help to calm any unnecessary fears the people you tell may have about the danger to you and to them. Advise close family members such as your partner or children to consult a doctor about testing and vaccination.
It is a good idea to talk about your own concerns with a professional. This might be a doctor, health advisor, counsellor or perhaps a drug worker. Clinical nurse specialists trained to help people cope with hepatitis and its symptoms are based at some hospitals. You can obtain advice by phoning the British Liver Trust Helpline (0800 652 7330).
If you are having any other medical treatment or visiting the dentist you must let the practitioner know that you have hepatitis B. Even though simple measures (and vaccination) should protect healthcare workers from infection there have been cases where people have been refused this treatment.
Ignorance about hepatitis B among the general public has also caused some people to lose their jobs and to be victimised.
In spite of this there will be helpful people involved in your day to day life that you may find it useful to tell. These include someone you trust at work or someone able do regular errands for you. It might just be a person who is always willing to listen to your problems. Think about who these people are and make a list of them. Letting them know about your illness will help to build your support base as you progress with your treatment.
Confidentiality
Keeping the results of your test private is often a concern. GUM clinics and most drug agencies offer a confidential testing service. However, if you go to your GP to have the test the results will be recorded. The doctor may be required to provide this information if asked, for example for medical examination for a job or for insurance purposes.
You do not need a referral from your GP if you wish to visit a GUM clinic for testing.
Insurance & mortgages
Most insurance companies will ask applicants if they have been tested for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. A positive test result may mean a life insurance policy or a mortgage linked to a life policy could be refused or the premium much increased. If this happens, it is worth talking to your doctor as many consultants are willing to write to a mortgage or insurance company stating your health and life expectancy.