Essential Guidelines for Hepatitis B Carriers: Health Checks and Vaccination Insights

Q: Essential Guidelines for Hepatitis B Carriers: Health Checks and Vaccination Insights

Hello： <br>Q1： If immunoglobulin is administered within 24 hours after a child's birth, HBeAg may be positive, and there could be a diminished viral replication capacity. <br>Liver function should be monitored, as it may change.<br>Q2： It is advisable to first test for antigens a

What precautions should carriers of hepatitis B take? Is there government assistance for testing?

1.
I am 39 years old and was diagnosed as a carrier of Hepatitis B during childbirth in 1980.
My two children received immunoglobulin within 24 hours of birth.
From 1980 to 1995, my health was normal, and in November 1994, my liver function tests were all normal.
Q1: I have been feeling fatigued for the past two weeks, and I experience some weakness in my heart, as if I can't catch my breath.
Could this be related to my liver? Q2: My children are 15 and 12 years old.
How can I clearly understand if they have not been vertically infected by their mother? Can they receive the fourth dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine directly at the hospital, or should they have a blood test first to check for antibodies before vaccination? Q3: Starting this year, do I need to go to the hospital every six months for blood tests and abdominal ultrasounds? Are there any government subsidies for these two tests? Q4: My husband received three doses of the Hepatitis B vaccine in 1992, and he had antibodies after testing at the end of that year.
However, during a check-up in 1994, it was found that he no longer had antibodies, indicating he was neither infected nor had antibodies.
Will re-vaccination for Hepatitis B produce antibodies? Additionally, he has mild fatty liver; should he be monitored every six months? Due to his work, he often stays up late, going to bed between 1:00 AM and 2:00 AM.
Does this increase his risk of liver disease?

Xiao Dai Mei, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/09/06

Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello:
Q1: If immunoglobulin is administered within 24 hours after a child's birth, HBeAg may be positive, and there could be a diminished viral replication capacity.
Liver function should be monitored, as it may change.
Q2: It is advisable to first test for antigens and antibodies.
The presence of an antigen indicates infection; if neither antigen nor antibody is present, a fourth dose can be administered.
Q3: Individuals who are carriers of hepatitis B should undergo regular follow-up at a hospital, as this is covered by health insurance.
Q4: Antibodies may not necessarily be produced; a small percentage of individuals (10%) may not develop antibodies even after vaccination.
Q5: For fatty liver, it is important to identify the underlying cause, which could be viral hepatitis, alcohol-related obesity, or exposure to chemicals.
If there is chronic viral hepatitis, regular monitoring is necessary.
Staying up late and excessive fatigue can also harm the liver.
Sincerely, Dr.
Lin Ming-Hui, Internal Medicine.

Reply Date: 2006/09/06

More Info

Hepatitis B is a significant public health concern, particularly for those who are carriers of the virus. As a 39-year-old Hepatitis B carrier, it is crucial to understand the implications of your condition, the health checks required, and the vaccination guidelines for your children. Let's address your questions systematically.

Q1: Fatigue and Heart Weakness
Feeling fatigued and experiencing a sense of heart weakness or shortness of breath can be concerning. While these symptoms can be related to various conditions, including those affecting the liver, they are not exclusively linked to Hepatitis B. Chronic Hepatitis B can lead to liver inflammation and damage over time, which might contribute to systemic symptoms like fatigue. However, it is essential to consider other potential causes, such as anemia, heart conditions, or even anxiety. It would be prudent to consult with a healthcare provider to evaluate your symptoms comprehensively, including blood tests and possibly imaging studies to assess liver function and overall health.

Q2: Assessing Vertical Transmission in Children
To ensure that your children have not been vertically infected with Hepatitis B, it is advisable to have them tested for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies (Anti-HBs). If they are negative for HBsAg and positive for Anti-HBs, it indicates they have immunity, likely from the immunoglobulin and vaccinations they received at birth. If they have not yet received their fourth dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine, it is generally safe to administer it without prior blood testing, especially if they have completed the initial vaccination series. However, confirming their antibody status can provide peace of mind.

Q3: Regular Health Checks
As a Hepatitis B carrier, it is recommended to have regular health check-ups, including blood tests and abdominal ultrasounds, to monitor liver function and detect any potential complications early. The frequency of these checks can vary; however, many guidelines suggest at least every six months. In terms of government subsidies, this can vary by region, so it would be best to check with your local health department or insurance provider to understand what is covered.

Q4: Vaccination for Your Husband
Regarding your husband, if he received the Hepatitis B vaccine and developed antibodies initially but later lost them, it is possible for him to receive a booster dose of the vaccine. Studies have shown that many individuals can respond to a booster even after losing detectable antibodies. Given his history of mild fatty liver and lifestyle factors such as late nights, it is advisable for him to maintain regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider. Fatty liver disease can progress to more severe liver conditions, so monitoring is essential.

In summary, as a Hepatitis B carrier, it is vital to maintain regular health checks, ensure your children are adequately vaccinated and monitored, and address any health concerns promptly. Lifestyle modifications, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep, can also contribute to better liver health and overall well-being. Always consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice and treatment options.

Similar Q&A

Essential Dietary and Prescription Considerations for Chronic Hepatitis B Patients

Dear Doctor: Aside from having an ultrasound every six months for hepatitis B, what dietary issues should I pay attention to? Are there any other concerns? As a chronic disease patient, can I request a prescription from my doctor? What should I be aware of when obtaining a prescr...

Dr. Lin Zhenjun reply Pharmacology
Mr. Hiller: Hello! *Hepatitis B carriers are infectious and can transmit the virus through blood or bodily fluids to others. *Precautions for Hepatitis B carriers: (1) Carriers should maintain a normal and regular lifestyle, ensure a balanced diet, avoid alcohol, and refrain from...

Understanding Hepatitis B Antibodies: What You Need to Know

If a blood test shows that there are no antibodies for hepatitis B, it does not necessarily mean that you are a carrier of the virus. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis. In terms of dietary considerations, individuals who a...

Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! The absence of antibodies indicates a lack of immunity to hepatitis B, which means there is a possibility of contracting hepatitis B in the future, but currently, there is no hepatitis B infection. To confirm whether there is hepatitis B, the surface antigen test should be...

Do Hepatitis B Carriers Still Need the Vaccine?

Do carriers of hepatitis B still need to receive the hepatitis B vaccine?

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. Chi: 1. Hepatitis B carriers are identified by the presence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in their bodies, without the production of antibodies against the surface antigen. Therefore, they do not need to receive the Hepatitis B vaccine. 2. Hepatitis B carrie...

Do You Need a Hepatitis B Booster After Childhood Vaccination?

If a person has received the hepatitis B vaccine during childhood, it is generally not necessary to receive another dose, as the vaccine provides long-lasting immunity. However, it is advisable to check antibody levels to confirm immunity, especially for individuals at higher ris...

Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Reply: Hello, 1. It is necessary to check for HBsAb; if there are no antibodies, vaccination is not required. If there are no carriers and no antibodies, vaccination can be administered. 2. Hepatitis B is transmitted through bodily fluids, and individuals who are HBeAg positive h...