How to Prevent Hepatitis B Virus

The hepatitis B virus causes the delicate liver infection known as hepatitis B (HBV). If you have chronic hepatitis B, you are more likely to get liver failure, liver cancer, or cirrhosis, which scars the liver permanently.

Hepatitis B Virus Prevention

Depending on which vaccine is used, the hepatitis B vaccine is usually given in three or four injections spaced out over six months, or in two injections one month apart.

Hepatitis B cannot be contracted through the vaccine. The US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends that adults between 19 and 59 who don’t have a valid reason not to get the hepatitis B vaccine should get it.

Additionally, the hepatitis B vaccine is highly advised for:

• People who inject hard drugs or share needles and syringes
• newborns/kids
• Teenagers who weren’t immunized at birth
• People with end-stage kidney disease
• people suffering from chronic liver disease
• travelers who are headed to a region of the world with a high hepatitis B infection rate
• Individuals infected with a sexually transmitted infection, such as HIV
• men who have sex with men
• people who have multiple sexual partners
• people who live or work in a facility for developmentally disabled people
• people who live with someone who has hepatitis B
• Healthcare professionals, first responders, and other people who come into contact with blood

Additional measures to lower your risk of HBV include the following:

a) Understanding your sexual partner’s HBV status
Only engage in unprotected sex if you are certain your partner is free of any sexually transmitted diseases, such as HBV.
If you are unsure of your partner’s health before having sex, always use a fresh latex or polyurethane condom. Condoms can lower your risk of getting HBV, but they don’t completely eliminate it.

b) Avoid using illicit substances.

If you already do, seek help to stop. Use a sterile needle every time you inject illegal substances if you can’t stop. Never swap out a needle.

Be extremely cautious when getting your body pierced or tattooed; if you decide to do either, find a reputable shop. Find out how the equipment is cleaned by asking. Ensure that the staff uses sterile needles. Look for another store if you can’t get any answers.

c) Before you travel, find out if the hepatitis B vaccine is necessary.

Inquire with your doctor in advance about the hepatitis B vaccine if you’re going somewhere where the disease is prevalent. Three injections are typically administered in a row, spaced six months apart.

Conclusion

Even if their symptoms are severe, the majority of adults with hepatitis B fully recover. The risk of developing a chronic hepatitis B infection is greatest in infants and young children. Hepatitis B can be prevented through vaccination, but it cannot be cured. If you have the virus, taking precautions can help stop it from spreading to other people.