Hepatitis B (Core) IgM Antibody Tips

Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver, typically caused by a group of viruses, referred to as types A, B, C, D, and E. Each of these viruses is known to cause different types of hepatitis, such as the following

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A virus or HAV spreads through the consumption of contaminated food and water or sexual intercourse with an infected person. The condition is an acute and short-term one and can be cured with medications.

Hepatitis B

HBV or type B virus is transmitted through bodily fluids, such as semen or blood of an infected person. Thus, most cases of hepatitis B infection occur due to the sharing of needles, injections, and having unprotected sex. New mothers infected with the type B virus are also likely to pass it on to infants during childbirth.

Hepatitis C

Like the type B virus, hepatitis C may spread through blood transfusions, contaminated needles often used for intravenous drugs or medical procedures. Mother to infant transmission is also a common cause of hepatitis C is children at birth or early childhood. Sexual contact with an infected partner is a less common cause of the disease.

Hepatitis D

The most common cause of hepatitis D is coming in direct contact with bodily fluids or blood of an infected person. This is a rare condition, which happens only in those infected with the type B virus.

Hepatitis E

Like hepatitis A, the type E virus also spreads through the consumption of contaminated water and food ingested with faeces.

In some people, hepatitis may be caused due to an autoimmune condition known as autoimmune hepatitis. This occurs when your body s defences attack the liver causing it to become inflamed, damaged and swollen.

Apart from the above causes, a combination of environmental, lifestyle and health factors contribute to hepatitis or at least increase your likelihood of contracting the disease. They are as follows

The use of unsafe water for washing and drinking

Poor hygiene and lack of proper sanitation

Contact with used syringes, needles

Exposure to harmful toxins

Engaging in unprotected sexual relations

Certain medications and drugs

Consumption of alcohol

History of an autoimmune disease

Having a chronic or acute infection involving one or more of the hepatitis viruses

Not being vaccinated, particularly against hepatitis A and B

In case you have any concerns or questions about the risk of hepatitis, particularly regarding your medical history, any medications you are taking or vaccinations, consult a doctor at the earliest. Your healthcare provider may be able to guide you with the specific steps that need to be taken to lower the chances of having hepatitis or some other liver condition.

Hepatitis is a condition that causes inflammation in the liver. It typically occurs due to a viral infection. However, some other factors or an underlying condition may also lead to hepatitis. These include autoimmune diseases and the use of toxic substances, drugs and alcohol.

Hepatitis is classified into five types, depending on the virus that has caused the infection in the liver. These viruses are referred to as types A, B, C, D, and E. Here is a look at each of the viruses causing a different type of hepatitis

Hepatitis A - Hepatitis A results from an infection with the HAV (hepatitis A virus) present in an infected person s faeces. Most often, the disease is transmitted through the consumption of contaminated food and water. In other cases, unsafe sex practices may also lead to the spread of the HAV. People with hepatitis A usually observe mild symptoms and are able to recover completely with improved immunity. However, with delayed screening and lack of medical intervention, the symptoms may be severe and the condition, life-threatening. Those, living in areas with access to poor sanitation are at risk of hepatitis A. The condition can be prevented with effective and safe vaccines.

Hepatitis B - This particular type of hepatitis is passed on by through exposure to infectious bodily fluids, like semen, blood etc that contain the HBV (hepatitis B virus). The use of intravenous drugs, sexual intercourse or sharing needles and razors with an infected person puts you at a higher risk of contracting hepatitis B. It is also common for a newborn to get the HBV from an infected mother at childbirth or early childhood. Transmission may happen through HBV-contaminated blood transfusions. Healthcare workers prone to an accidental needle-stick injury are at an increased risk of hepatitis B. Nevertheless, vaccines are available for prevention.

Hepatitis C - Hepatitis C is caused by the HCV (hepatitis C virus). It is mostly passed on by coming in direct contact with infective blood, typically through contaminated needles and injections, blood transfusion during medical procedures, intravenous drug use, and rarely, unprotected sex. There is no vaccine currently available to ward off hepatitis C.

Hepatitis D - Hepatitis D is a rare and more serious type of the disease caused by the HDV (hepatitis D virus). The virus is transmitted through direct contact with an infected person s blood. This type of hepatitis is common only in people, who have hepatitis B. The vaccine against hepatitis B also protects against hepatitis D.

Hepatitis E - Hepatitis E refers to a waterborne illness caused by the HEV (hepatitis E virus). This particular form of hepatitis mostly affects those residing in areas that have poor access to sanitation. It is transmitted by consuming contaminated food and water, ingested by faeces. Vaccine for hepatitis E is yet to be developed globally.

Treatment of hepatitis depends on the severity of symptoms and type of hepatitis you have been infected with. Antiviral medications and immunosuppressants are usually the first lines of treatment. Besides, vaccines and safe hygiene practices are strongly recommended to prevent the risk of the disease.

What is hepatitis B?

Hepatitis is a redness and swelling (inflammation) of the liver. It sometimes causes severe liver damage.

There are several types of hepatitis. Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and Hepatitis D, Hepatitis E.

In hepatitis B, the liver is infected with the hepatitis B virus. This causes inflammation. The liver isn t able to work properly.

Hepatitis B can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic).

Acute hepatitis B - This is a brief infection (6 months or less) that goes away because the body gets rid of the virus.
Chronic hepatitis B - This is a long-lasting infection( it lasts more than six months.) that happens when your body can t get rid of the virus. Having chronic hepatitis B increases your risk of developing liver cirrhosis liver failure and liver cancer.
The causes of hepatitis B -

Hepatitis B is caused by infection with the hepatitis B virus. People pass the hepatitis B virus to each other. This happens when you come into contact with another person s infected:

Blood
Semen
Vaginal secretions
Saliva
Common ways this virus is spread are through:

Needle sticks
Sharp instruments
Shared razors and toothbrushes
Unprotected sex with an infected person
Sharing drug supplies
Babies may also get the disease if their mother has the virus.

Who is at risk for hepatitis B?

Anyone can get hepatitis B by coming into contact with the blood or body fluids of someone who is infected with hepatitis B.

Some people are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B. They include:

Children born to mothers who have hepatitis B
People who have a blood-clotting disorder, such as hemophilia
People who need dialysis for kidney failure
People who use IV (intravenous) drugs
People who have unprotected sex.
People who have a job where they are in contact with human blood, body fluids, or needles
People taking medicines(immunosuppressant) that weaken (suppress) the body s infection-fighting system (immune system)
People with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) or hepatitis C infections
Pregnant women should be tested for hepatitis B.

Symptoms of hepatitis B

Hepatitis B has a wide range of symptoms. It may be mild, without symptoms, or it may cause chronic hepatitis.

Each person s symptoms may vary. The most common symptoms of hepatitis B is as follows.

Loss of appetite
Nausea
Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
Fever
Muscle soreness
Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
Dark urine
Clay-colored or light-colored stools
Belly (abdominal) pain, discomfort.
Easy bleeding and bruising
Confusion
Swollen belly - fluid accumulation.
Diagnosis of Hepatitis B -

Blood tests can detect signs of the hepatitis B virus in your body.
Liver ultrasound.
Liver biopsy
Complications of hepatitis B -

1. Liver failure can lead to death.

2. The risk of liver cancer is higher in people with hepatitis B.

3. Long-term or chronic hepatitis B can cause severe liver damage. The most severe liver damage is called cirrhosis. The liver stops working properly.

Ayurvedic Treatment of Hepatitis B -

Ayurvedic treatment mainly boost the immune system to get the rid of Hepatitis B virus. Specially ''Rasayan'' Ayurvedic treatment that is very effective to rejuvenate each and every cell of our body and mainly liver tissue. Nectar like Ayurvedic medicine help to slow down or stop the virus from damaging the liver.

Ayurvedic Treatment is helpful to decrease the amount and destructive energy of virus in the blood, Rejuvenate liver tissue, reduce complications.

Important points to prevent hepatitis B?

A vaccine is available to prevent hepatitis B. The vaccine is suggested for everyone age 18 years and younger, as well as for adults over age 18 who are at risk for the infection.

You can protect yourself and others from hepatitis B by:

Using condoms during sex
Making sure any tattoos or body piercings are done with tools that have been cleaned properly and do not have any germs (sterile)
Not sharing needles and other drug supplies
Not sharing toothbrushes or razors
Not touching another person s blood or body fluids unless you wear gloves.
Though there are treatments available in Ayurveda, it is advisable to consult an Ayurvedic liver specialist before opting for any treatment.

Hepatitis b - know more about it.

Namaskar,

Maine Dr. Piyush Ranjan, Delhi mein consultant hoon gastroenterology mein.

Aaj main aap se liver ki ek kafi common condition chronic hepatitis B aur hepatitis C ke baare main kuch jankari share karunga. Hepatitis B aur hepatitis C ye virus hote hai jinka sankraman hone par jinke infection se liver mein ek tarha ka permanent damage shuru ho sakta hai, shuruaat ke stage mein chronic hepatitis jiska arth hai liver mein inflammation hona wo hota hai aur agar ye untreated chalti rahe to isse liver cirrhosis ho sakta hai ya liver ke andar cancer ho sakta hai ya liver tumor ban sakta hai. Hepatitis aur B hepatitis C ke failne ka karan agar ham dekhen to kuch cheezen inme common hoti hain ye cheezen infected blood transfusion, unprotected sexual contact, intravenous injections yani jo log intravenous drug abuse karte hain unme iski infection kafi jyada dekhi jati hai.

Hepatitis B iske alava maa se bacchon mein aane wali yani ki vertical transmission ya janmjaat kai bar aati hai. Hepatitis B ke liye sabse achcha tarika hai hepatitis B ka prevention hai, vaccination hai. Aaj hamare desh mein janm ke samay hi sabko hepatitis B ke tiike lagaye jaate hain, agar future mein aapne pehle nahi lagaye hain to inko lagana chahiye ye kafi karygar tarika hai aur yadi aapko hepatitis-B sankraman paya jata hai to fir iske liye iske aage tests ki jarurat hai. Har hepatitis B infected patient ko koi treatment ki jarurat pade aisa nahin hota hai uske liye tests hote hain jinke aadhar per virus kitne number mein sharir mein hai aur liver ki kya condition hai iske basis per ye decide karte hain ki iski treatment ki jarurat hai ya nahi hai aur ismein regular follow-up ki jarurat hoti hai aur agar jarurat ho to iske liye kaafi karygar goliyan hain jo ki isko control kar sakti hain.

Isi tarah se hepatitis C jo infection hota hai iske liye jo hai ye ek science mein bohot hi important development pichle 5 saalon mein jo infection kafi mahange injections ke sath bhi nearly 50 to 60 percent success rate tha aaj iski goliyan hoti hai ye duniya ke baaki deshon se agar compare karen to kafi kam cost mein India mein milti hain aur inka success rate nearly 95 to 100% hota hai.

To agar aapke liver function test mein koi kharabi najar aati hai ya aapko past mein kabhi jaundice hua hai ya aapke ghar mein koi hepatitis B or C se pidit hai to apna bhi blood hepatitis B aur C ke liye test karayen aur agar ye infection aata hai to aap mujhse ya kisi bhi reputed doctor se gastroenterologist se sampark karen taki iska ilaaj karke liver ko future mein aur kharab hone se roka ja sake.

Dhanyvad.

Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver which may often progress to dangerous complications. There are many types of hepatitis and each has its own particular set of causes, symptoms, mode of contraction and treatment procedures. Here are the main types of hepatitis as well as some of the factors which may cause hepatitis:

Types Of Hepatitis -

1. Hepatitis A -
Hepatitis A virus infection causes this condition. The Hepatitis A virus comes from food or water contaminated with the feces of someone contaminated with hepatitis A. This is not a chronic form of hepatitis.

2. Hepatitis B -
This is a chronic form of hepatitis. It is spread through body fluid such as blood, saliva and semen. The possible causes of hepatitis B include injection drug use, having sex with an infected partner and sharing razors or other intimate articles with someone who is infected.

3. Hepatitis C -
This is also a chronic form of hepatitis. The most common causes of hepatitis C are the use of drug injections or having sex.

4. Hepatitis D -
This is not a chronic form of hepatitis and is also very uncommon. It is usually contracted along with hepatitis B. It is usually caused due to puncture wounds or contact with infected blood.

5. Hepatitis E -
This is the most uncommon form of hepatitis. It is due to poor sanitation and ingesting fecal matter. It is usually found in developing countries.

CausesOf Hepatitis -

1. Virus -
This is the usual way of contracting hepatitis. The virus attacks the liver and causes inflammation leading to the breakdown of a number of body systems.

2. Alcohol and other toxins -
Alcohol and certain prescribed medications cause the liver to swell and that is why this form of hepatitis is known as alcoholic hepatitis.

3. Autoimmune disease -
This is the rarest cause of hepatitis. The immune system malfunctions and begins destroying its own tissues. It attacks the liver because it perceives the liver to be a foreign object.

How do you safeguard yourself against infection from these dangerous hepatitis viruses?

The most common cause of concern is that a lot of us who are infected with hepatitis, especially hepatitis B don t know that we are. The biggest bulwark against hepatitis is periodic testing and vaccination. Vaccination is available for most hepatitis viruses including A and B, which tend to be extra virulent.

So, do take care and go for periodic testing. We are reiterating this because if you are infected with hepatitis B and are not treated you can develop serious problems of the liver, including liver cancer. In fact, nearly 1 in 4 people living with hepatitis B develop serious liver problems including liver cancer. Hepatitis B related liver cancer is a leading cause of fatality and getting tested for hepatitis can help you access life-saving treatments that can prevent serious liver damage.

Other ways to prevent hepatitis are -

Hepatitis A -

Wash your hands with soap after using the toilet.
Only consume freshly-cooked food.
Only drink bottled or boiled water.
Only eat fruits that can be peeled. Don t eat fruit that has been cut and kept.
Avoid eating raw vegetables.
Vaccinate yourself against hepatitis A if you travel a lot.
Hepatitis B -

Practice safe sex by using condoms.
Only use new syringes for injections.
Do not share toothbrushes, razors, or manicure instruments with others.
Vaccinate yourself against hepatitis B.
Take care while getting tattooed. Only use brand new tattoo needles. Also, ask for new needles during acupuncture treatments.
Hepatitis C -

Avoid sharing toothbrushes, razors, and manicure equipment.
Cover open wounds if you are infected.
Don t share needles. Always ask for fresh needles.
Use only well-sterilized equipment for acupuncture, piercing, and tattooing, etc.
Cut down on alcohol.
Do not share drug needles.

Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver which may often progress to dangerous complications. There are many types of hepatitis and each has its own particular set of causes, symptoms, mode of contraction and treatment procedures. Here are the main types of hepatitis as well as some of the factors which may cause hepatitis:

Types -

1. Hepatitis A -
Hepatitis A virus infection causes this condition. The Hepatitis A virus comes from food or water contaminated with the feces of someone contaminated with hepatitis A. This is not a chronic form of hepatitis.

2. Hepatitis B -
This is a chronic form of hepatitis. It is spread through body fluid such as blood, saliva and semen. The possible causes of hepatitis B include injection drug use, having sex with an infected partner and sharing razors or other intimate articles with someone who is infected.

3. Hepatitis C -
This is also a chronic form of hepatitis. The most common causes of hepatitis C are injection drug use or having sex.

4. Hepatitis D -
This is not a chronic form of hepatitis and is also very uncommon. It is usually contracted along with hepatitis B. It is usually caused due to puncture wounds or contact with infected blood.

5. Hepatitis E -
This is the most uncommon form of hepatitis. It is due to poor sanitation and ingesting fecal matter. It is usually found in developing countries.

Causes

1. Virus -
This is the usual way of contracting hepatitis. The virus attacks the liver and causes inflammation leading to the breakdown of a number of body systems.

2. Alcohol and other toxins -
Alcohol and certain prescribed medications cause the liver to swell and that is why this form of hepatitis is known as alcoholic hepatitis.

3. Autoimmune disease -
This is the rarest cause of hepatitis. The immune system malfunctions and begins destroying its own tissues. It attacks the liver because it perceives the liver to be a foreign object.

How do you safeguard yourself against infection from these three dangerous hepatitis viruses?

The most common cause of concern is that a lot of us who are infected with hepatitis, especially hepatitis B don t know that we are. The biggest bulwark against hepatitis is periodic testing and vaccination. Vaccination is available for most hepatitis viruses including A and B, which tend to be extra virulent.

So, do take care and go for periodic testing. We are reiterating this because if you are infected with hepatitis B and are not treated you can develop serious problems of the liver, including liver cancer. In fact, nearly 1 in 4 people living with hepatitis B develop serious liver problems including liver cancer. Hepatitis B related liver cancer is a leading cause of fatality and getting tested for hepatitis can help you access life-saving treatments that can prevent serious liver damage.

Other ways to prevent hepatitis are -
Hepatitis A -

Wash your hands with soap after using the toilet
Only consume freshly-cooked food
Only drink bottled or boiled water
Only eat fruits that can be peeled. Don t eat fruit that has been cut and kept
Avoid eating raw vegetables
Vaccinate yourself against hepatitis A if you travel a lot.
Hepatitis B -

Practice safe sex by using condoms
Only use new syringes for injections
Do not share toothbrushes, razors, or manicure instruments with others
Vaccinate yourself against hepatitis B
Take care while getting tattooed. Only use brand new tattoo needles. Also, ask for new needles during acupuncture treatments.
Hepatitis C -

Avoid sharing toothbrushes, razors, and manicure equipment
Cover open wounds if you are infected
Don t share needles. Always ask for fresh needles.
Use only well-sterilized equipment for acupuncture, piercing, and tattooing, etc.
Cut down on alcohol
Do not share drug needles

If you think that immunisation is only for your infant, then you are living in a fool s paradise. It s a life-long process. You are never too old for this. It is a life-protecting job. You must get all your immunisation done in time to be protected against fatal diseases.

Here are some of the most common vaccines given to adults:

Hepatitis A (Hep A): You should take this vaccine if you are exposed to a specific risk factor for hepatitis A virus infection. You may also opt for this to be simply protected from this disease. The vaccine is usually given in two doses. It should be given 6-18 months apart.
Hepatitis B (Hep B): You will need this if you are exposed to a specific risk factor for hepatitis B virus infection. You may take it simply if you want to be protected from this disease. The vaccine is given in three doses over a period of six months.
Human papillomavirus: This vaccine is given to women, who are 26 years of age or younger. In the case of men, the upper limit for age is 22. It can also be given to a man with a risk factor in the age group 22 to 26. It is given in three doses over a period of six months.
Influenza: It is a must for every individual. It should be given a dose every winter. It will not only provide protection to the immunised person, but also to others surrounding him.
Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR): You may require at least a single dose of this vaccine if you were born after 1975.
Meningococcal (MenACWY [MCV4], MenB, MPSV4): You may need MenACWY and/or MenB vaccine if you have been suffering from certain health conditions. It is given to adults who are not having a functioning spleen.
Pneumococcal (Pneumovax [polysaccharide vaccine, PPSV]; Prevnar [conjugate vaccine] PCV): You will have to get both pneumococcal vaccines, Prevnar (if you haven t had it before) and Pneumovax, if you are more than 65 years of age. You will have protection from diseases like asthma, heart, and lung, or kidney disease, immunosuppression. It is best to consult your doctor before injecting such vaccines.
Tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough (pertussis) (Tdap, Td): It must be given to all adults who have not got a dose of Tdap in adolescence. It is a must for pregnant women. You need a Td booster once every 10 years.
Varicella (Chickenpox): If you ve never been exposed chickenpox or got vaccinated after receiving 1 dose, you must talk to your doctor to know when and what you should take.
Zoster (shingles): If you are 60-year-old or above, you must definitely get a 1-time dose.

HepatitisThe problem of hepatitis is related to an inflammatory condition of liver. It occurs mainly due to infection caused by virus but there are other possible causes as well. Hepatitis can be temporary or viral. Temporary hepatitis, which is acute in nature, gets resolved on its own. Viral hepatitis can be of five types, A, B, C, D and E.

Now, let us discuss about the causes behind each type of hepatitis, which results in liver problem.

Causes

The fact that we have identified five types of Hepatitis, A, B, C, D and E, let s take a look at the causes behind the occurrence of all these types:

Hepatitis A: The most common way through which this type of virus gets transmitted, is through consuming food or water contaminated by wastes from a person infected with hepatitis A.
Hepatitis B: One can suffer from Hepatitis B, if one comes in contact with infectious body fluids like blood, secretions from vagina, semen, taking drugs through injections, containing the virus of Hepatitis B.
Hepatitis C: This is also transmitted when someone comes in direct contact with fluids of an infected person, through injection drugs and sexual contact. As per the reports of Union Health Ministry, about 1.2 crore people of India are suffering from Hepatitis C, with the worst affected region being North India.
Hepatitis D: It is a rare form of hepatitis, also known as delta hepatitis, occurs as a result of coming into direct contact with infected blood. Hepatitis D is rare because it only takes place in conjunction with hepatitis B infection.
Hepatitis E: This virus is mainly caused in areas of poor sanitation. It is a waterborne disease, resulting from ingesting faecal matter that contaminates water supply. Cases of Hepatitis E have been mainly reported in Middle East, Asia, Central America and Africa.
Symptoms Of Hepatitis

Hepatitis, in its initial phase is called the acute phase. The following symptoms along with mild flu are visible:

Loss of appetite
Fatigue
Joint pains
Pain in the abdomen
Nausea
Weight loss
Jaundice
Though this phase is not really dangerous but for some patients, it can result in liver failure leading to death.

Treatment for Hepatitis

Treatment options for different types of hepatitis are:

Hepatitis A: This doesn t require treatment as it is short-term in nature. In case the symptoms cause a lot of discomfort, then bed rest is recommended. Vaccine is available to prevent this infection.
Hepatitis B: Acute Hepatitis B doesn t require treatment either. Its chronic form can be treated with antiviral medications. This can be prevented with vaccination.
Hepatitis C: This type of hepatitis, both in its acute and chronic forms, is treated through antiviral medications.
Hepatitis D: According to a study in 2013, a drug known as alpha interferon is used to treat this type of hepatitis but unfortunately this only comes to the rescue of 25-30% people.
Hepatitis E: This acute form of hepatitis gets resolved on its own. Adequate rest, drinking sufficient amount of water and taking enough nutrients in their food are some of the ways to get healed from this disease.

What Is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is an infection of your liver. It can cause scarring of the organ, liver failure, and cancer. It can be fatal if it isn t treated.

It s spread when people come in contact with the blood, open sores, or body fluids of someone who has the hepatitis B virus.

What Are the Symptoms of Hepatitis B :

Jaundice. (Your skin or the whites of the eyes turn yellow, and your pee turns brown or orange.)
Light-colored poop
Fever
Fatigue that persists for weeks or months
Stomach trouble like loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting
Belly pain
Causes :

Hepatitis B infection is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The virus is passed from person to person through blood, semen or other body fluids. It does not spread by sneezing or coughing.

Diagnosis :

Blood tests. Blood tests can detect signs of the hepatitis B virus in your body and tell your doctor whether it's acute or chronic. A simple blood test can also determine if you're immune to the condition.
Liver ultrasound. A special ultrasound called transient elastography can show the amount of liver damage.
Liver biopsy. Your doctor might remove a small sample of your liver for testing (liver biopsy) to check for liver damage. During this test, your doctor inserts a thin needle through your skin and into your liver and removes a tissue sample for laboratory analysis.

Prevention :

The hepatitis B vaccine is typically given as three or four injections over six months. You can't get hepatitis B from the vaccine.

The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for:

Newborns
Children and adolescents not vaccinated at birth
Those who work or live in a center for people who are developmentally disabled
People who live with someone who has hepatitis B
Health care workers, emergency workers and other people who come into contact with blood
Anyone who has a sexually transmitted infection, including HIV
Men who have sex with men
People who have multiple sexual partners
Sexual partners of someone who has hepatitis B
People who inject illegal drugs or share needles and syringes
People with chronic liver disease
People with end-stage kidney disease
Travelers planning to go to an area of the world with a high hepatitis B infection rate
Take precautions to avoid HBV :

Know the HBV status of any sexual partner. Don't engage in unprotected sex unless you're absolutely certain your partner isn't infected with HBV or any other sexually transmitted infection.
Use a new latex or polyurethane condom every time you have sex if you don't know the health status of your partner. Remember that although condoms can reduce your risk of contracting HBV, they don't eliminate the risk.
Don't use illegal drugs. If you use illicit drugs, get help to stop. If you can't stop, use a sterile needle each time you inject illicit drugs. Never share needles.
Be cautious about body piercing and tattooing. If you get a piercing or tattoo, look for a reputable shop. Ask about how the equipment is cleaned. Make sure the employees use sterile needles. If you can't get answers, look for another shop.
Ask about the hepatitis B vaccine before you travel. If you're traveling to a region where hepatitis B is common, ask your doctor about the hepatitis B vaccine in advance. It's usually given in a series of three injections over a six-month period.