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Prevention
A hepatitis B vaccine (Engerix-B) has been available since
1981. It is given in
a series of three immunizations and provides more than 90
percent protection for both adults and children.
The vaccine generally protects against HBV for at least 15
years. In the last decade, the vaccine has been produced in
the United States using recombinant DNA technology. That means
the HBV antigen used in the vaccine is produced in a
laboratory and not derived from the blood of people infected
with the virus. You can not get hepatitis B from the vaccine.
Almost anyone can receive the vaccine, including infants,
older adults and those with compromised immune systems.
Infants often receive the vaccine in the first year of life —
typically at two, four and nine months of age.
Side effects tend to be mild and may include weakness,
fatigue, headache, nausea, and soreness or swelling at the
injection site. Although concerns have been raised that the
HBV vaccine may increase the risk of autoimmune disease and,
in babies, of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), studies
have found no connection.
Although vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and
others from hepatitis B, the measures listed below also can
help keep you safe.
If you're not infected with HBV
The following measures can help keep you from becoming
infected with HBV:
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Educate yourself and others.
Make sure you understand what HBV is and how the virus is
transmitted.
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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, HIV or any other
sexually transmitted disease.
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Use a new latex or polyurethane condom every time you have
sex.
If you don't know the health status of your partner, use a new
latex condom every time you have anal or vaginal sex. If
you're allergic to latex, use a plastic (polyurethane) condom.
Avoid lambskin condoms because they don't protect you from
sexually transmitted viruses. If you don't have a male condom,
use a female condom. Use only water-based lubricants, not
petroleum jelly, cold cream or oils. Oil-based lubricants can
weaken condoms and cause them to break. During oral sex use a
condom, dental dam (a piece of medical-grade latex) or plastic
wrap. Remember that although condoms can reduce your risk of
contracting HBV, they don't eliminate the risk entirely.
Condoms can break or develop small tears, and people don't
always use them properly.
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Use a sterile needle.
If you use a needle to inject illicit drugs, make sure it's
sterile, and don't share it. Take advantage of needle exchange
programs in your community and consider seeking help for your
drug use.
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Talk to your doctor if you're traveling internationally.
If you're planning an extended trip to a region where
hepatitis B is endemic, ask your doctor about the hepatitis B
vaccine well in advance. It's usually given in a series of
three injections over a six-month period.
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Be cautious about blood products in certain countries.
Although the blood supply is now well screened in the United
States, this isn't always the case in other countries. If an
emergency requires that you receive blood or blood products in
another country, get tested for HBV as soon as you return
home.
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If you're pregnant, get tested.
Knowing whether you're infected with HBV can allow you and
your doctor to take steps to protect your child.
If you're infected with HBV
If you've received a diagnosis of HBV, the following
guidelines can help protect others:
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Practice safe sex.
The only foolproof way to protect your sexual partner or
partners from HBV infection is to avoid practices that expose
them to blood, saliva, semen and vaginal secretions. Barring
that, carefully follow guidelines for safe sex, including
using a new latex condom every time you have vaginal or anal
sex and using a dental dam, condom or piece of plastic wrap
during oral sex. If you use sexual devices, don't share them.
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Tell your sexual partner(s) you have HBV.
Let anyone with whom you've had sex know that you have HBV.
Your partners need to be tested and receive medical care if
they have the virus. They also need to know their HBV status
so that they don't infect others.
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Don't share needles or syringes.
If you use IV drugs, never share your needles and syringes
with anyone.
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Don't donate blood or organs.
Donating infected blood or organs spreads the virus.
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Don't share razor blades or toothbrushes.
These items may carry traces of infected blood. Some experts
also suggest not sharing your comb, hairbrush and nail
clippers.
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If you're pregnant, tell your doctor you have HBV.
That way, your baby can be treated as soon as he or she is
born.
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