VIRAL HEPATITIS B - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is caused by a virus that attacks the liver. The virus, which is called hepatitis B virus (HBV), can cause lifelong infection, cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver cancer, liver failure, and death. The virus is present in the blood and body fluids of an infected individual and can be transmitted from mother to baby at birth as well as through unprotected sex, and unsterilized needles. HBV infection can cause acute illness that leads to loss of appetite; tiredness; pain in muscles, joints, or stomach; diarrhea or vomiting; and yellow skin or eyes (jaundice). HBV can cause chronic infection, especially in infants and children.
Who is at risk?
Each year in the United States, an estimated 200,000 people have new HBV infections. More than 11,000 people are hospitalized and 20,000 remain chronically infected. Overall, an estimated 1.25 million people in the United States have chronic HBV infection, and 4,000 to 5,000 people die each year from hepatitis B related chronic liver disease or liver cancer
How do you get hepatitis B?
You get hepatitis B by direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person; for example, you can become infected by having sex or sharing needles with an infected person. A baby can get hepatitis B from an infected mother during childbirth. Hepatitis B is not spread through food or water or by casual contact.
How long can HBV survive outside the body?
HBV can survive outside the body for up to one week in dried blood and still be able to infect you.
Who is a carrier of hepatitis B virus?
Sometimes, people who are infected with HBV never recover fully from the infection; they carry the virus and can infect others for the rest of their lives. In the United States, about one million people carry HBV.What are the symptoms of hepatitis B?
You may have hepatitis B (and be spreading the disease) and not know it; sometimes a person with HBV infection has no symptoms at all. If symptoms occur, they usually occur 9-21 weeks after exposure to an infected person. Symptoms occur in about 70% of patients. If you have symptoms, they may include:
Is there a cure for hepatitis B?
There is no cure for hepatitis B; this is why prevention is so important. Antiviral drugs can help treat chronic HBV infection. Hepatitis B vaccine is the best protection against HBV. Three doses are needed for complete protection.
If you are pregnant, should you worry about hepatitis B?
If you have HBV in your blood, you can give hepatitis B to your baby. Babies who get HBV at birth may have the virus for the rest of their lives, can spread the disease, and can get cirrhosis of the liver or liver cancer.
Who should get vaccinated?
The following individuals should be vaccinated:
You should not be vaccinated if you have previously received the vaccine series, antibody testing determines you are immune, or the vaccine is not recommended by your physician for medical reasons.
How is the vaccine administered?
The vaccine is administered as a series of three shots in the upper arm over a period of six months. The second dose is given one month after the first dose and the third dose is given six months after the first. All three doses must be received to have maximum protection. More than 95% of children and adolescents, and more than 90% of young, healthy adults develop adequate antibody response from the three doses.
How long does the vaccine protect you?
Persons who respond to hepatitis B vaccine are protected against acute hepatitis B and the chronic consequences of HBV infection, including cirrhosis and liver cancer for approximately 15 years. Some scientists believe that life-long immunity may be provided by the vaccine.
Who should get post vaccination testing?
Post vaccination testing for adequate antibody response is only indicated for healthcare workers who may be at significant risk of needle sticks. When necessary, post vaccination testing should be done 1-2 months after the completion of the vaccine series.
Are booster doses of the vaccine needed?
No, booster doses are not necessary unless recommended by a physician. Antibody levels may decline over time, however immune memory remains and people with declining antibodies are still protected against clinical illness and chronic disease.
Is hepatitis B vaccine safe?
Hepatitis B vaccines available in the United States are made in yeast cells using recombinant DNA technology. The vaccine does not contain any live components and cannot give a person hepatitis B. Hepatitis B vaccines have been shown to be very safe when given to infants, children or adults. More than 20 million persons have received hepatitis B vaccine in the United States. The most common side effects from hepatitis B vaccination are pain at the injection site and mild to moderate fever.
Is there an association between hepatitis B vaccine and serious side effects?
Serious side effects reported after receiving hepatitis B vaccine are very uncommon. There is no confirmed scientific evidence that hepatitis B vaccine causes chronic illness, including multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, or autoimmune disorders. There is no risk of HBV infection from the vaccine. A low rate of anaphylaxis (hives, difficulty breathing, shock) has been observed in vaccine recipients. Any presumed risk of adverse events associated with hepatitis B vaccination must be balanced with the expected 4,000 to 5,000 HBV-related liver disease deaths that would occur without immunization, assuming a 5% lifetime risk of HBV infection. Please consult your physician if you have any concerns about the safety of the vaccine.
Where do I get the vaccine on campus?
The vaccine is administered at the Student Health Center in Moffett Hall to those individuals with occupational exposure to blood. Once you've received training, permission to receive the vaccine will be given by the Safety Office. Please call the Student Health Center at 831-5111 to schedule a time to receive the vaccine. There is no charge for workers who are placed in the Bloodborne Pathogens Program.
Can I refuse the vaccine?
Workers with occupational exposure to blood do not have to accept the vaccine but must sign the OSHA Declination Form. Refusal of the vaccine will not affect an employees' job duties. Employees can change their minds at a latter date.