Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccine: Coverage, Costs, and Dosage
Hepatitis B vaccine 1. Is it possible to use health insurance for the hepatitis B vaccine? 2. If paying out of pocket, what is the cost? 3. How many doses should be administered?
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
1. No, but the hepatitis B vaccine for newborns is free. 2. Approximately 200 to 350 NTD. 3. It should be administered in three separate doses, achieving a success rate of over 90%.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccine: Coverage, Costs, and Dosage
Hospitals in Tainan for Chronic Hepatitis B Treatment: Options and Coverage
Hospitals for the treatment of Hepatitis B? In Tainan, there are several hospitals and clinics that provide treatment for chronic hepatitis B. The typical treatment duration can vary depending on the specific medication and individual patient factors, but it often lasts from seve...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
1. You can visit the National Cheng Kung University Hospital for a consultation, or you can go to the Tainan City Hospital. 2. Some medications are covered by health insurance, while others are not.[Read More] Hospitals in Tainan for Chronic Hepatitis B Treatment: Options and Coverage
Understanding Your Hepatitis B and E Antigen Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Hepatitis B index I have hepatitis B and E antigen. In previous tests, I was only informed that I was a positive carrier. However, this time, due to insurance requirements, I went to a clinic for a check-up, and the report showed the hepatitis B carrier index and E antigen index,...
Dr. Xie Wenhuai Reply:
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive indicates that the individual is currently a carrier of hepatitis B. Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) signifies that the person is a hepatitis B carrier and is infectious; therefore, contact with saliva or blood should be avoided.[Read More] Understanding Your Hepatitis B and E Antigen Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Can Hepatitis B Naturally Resolve? Understanding Your Test Results and Next Steps
Can hepatitis B resolve on its own? I would like to ask about my hepatitis B surface antigen, which has been positive for about ten years. I have been undergoing regular check-ups every year, and my liver function tests have always been normal. However, during my health check-up ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, regarding hepatitis B testing, you can visit the hepatobiliary outpatient clinic. The accuracy of the tests may vary, and there might be differences in how each hospital reports to health insurance. I wish you well.[Read More] Can Hepatitis B Naturally Resolve? Understanding Your Test Results and Next Steps
Do Hepatitis B Vaccines Expire? Understanding Vaccine Longevity
Is there an expiration date for the hepatitis B vaccine? Hello, I would like to ask if there is an expiration date for the hepatitis B vaccine? I received three doses of the vaccine four years ago, and now I am serving in Matsu. I am concerned that my antibodies may have diminish...
Dr. Xu Ruihong Reply:
The hepatitis B vaccine has an effective duration of over a decade. If you have received all three doses of the vaccine and your blood tests show the presence of antibodies, you can be assured that you do not need to worry about being infected with hepatitis B.[Read More] Do Hepatitis B Vaccines Expire? Understanding Vaccine Longevity
Vertical Transmission Risk of Hepatitis B: Key Questions for Mothers
The probability of vertical transmission from mother to child with HBsAg positive and HBeAg negative is relatively low, typically estimated to be around 5-10%. However, it is important to monitor and manage the mother's hepatitis B infection to further reduce the risk of tra...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
1. The chance of transmitting this s+e antigen from mother to offspring exceeds 90%. 2. Blood tests can be conducted six weeks after the administration of the third dose. 3. It may simply be physiological jaundice, but a blood test for jaundice can also be performed at a pediatri...[Read More] Vertical Transmission Risk of Hepatitis B: Key Questions for Mothers
Understanding Hepatitis B: Carrier Status, Cure Possibilities, and Risks
Hepatitis B Hello, I would like to ask you the following questions: 1. Does having hepatitis B mean that one is always a carrier? 2. Can hepatitis B be cured? (Complete recovery) 3. Does having hepatitis B increase the likelihood of contracting hepatitis C, and is there any conne...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
1. A positive HBsAg test indicates a carrier state. 2. Currently, there are three antiviral medications for hepatitis B, and there is a possibility of a cure in the future. 3. The transmission methods for hepatitis B and C are mostly different; however, in areas where intrave...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Carrier Status, Cure Possibilities, and Risks
Understanding Hepatitis B: Treatment, Transmission, and Related Infections
Hepatitis B Is there a medication for it? Is it contagious? Is there currently an outbreak of colds that can cause fever due to throat inflammation? Please provide me with answers, thank you.
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
The main causes of death from hepatitis B are acute hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. However, the majority of patient deaths are due to: 1. a lack of understanding of the disease's progression, which includes not realizing they are infected or knowing they are infecte...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Treatment, Transmission, and Related Infections
Understanding e Antigen: Implications of Its Absence and Benefits of Its Presence
What is the e antigen? What does the absence of the e antigen indicate? What are the benefits if the e antigen is produced?
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello everyone: A positive reaction for e-antigen indicates strong activity of the hepatitis B virus, while a negative result generally suggests low toxicity and a reduced risk of progression to cirrhosis (though there are exceptions). Wishing you all good health![Read More] Understanding e Antigen: Implications of Its Absence and Benefits of Its Presence
Understanding the Significance of Missing e Antigen in Hepatobiliary Health
I would like to ask a question!! The absence of the e antigen indicates that the individual is likely in a phase of chronic hepatitis B infection where the virus is not actively replicating or is in a low replication state. The e antigen (HBeAg) is a marker of viral replication a...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
In hepatitis B markers, the surface antigen (HBsAg) and e antigen (HBeAg) are envelope antigens and products of the hepatitis virus. The presence of HBeAg indicates that the virus is highly active and infectious. Conversely, the absence of HBeAg may suggest the presence of e anti...[Read More] Understanding the Significance of Missing e Antigen in Hepatobiliary Health
Understanding Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Changes: What Do They Mean?
Hepatitis B Hello, I would like to ask about my husband's hepatitis B surface antigen, which has been positive for about ten years. However, during a health check at the end of last year, the results showed that the hepatitis B surface antigen is now negative, and the hepati...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
There are two possible scenarios. The first is that your husband has truly recovered. However, since the probability of surface antigen seroconversion is 1% per year, he may be in the second scenario, which is being a low-level surface antigen carrier. This means that for some un...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Changes: What Do They Mean?
Can I Donate Bone Marrow or Organs with Hepatitis B Carrier Status?
Bone marrow donation or liver and kidney donation or..? I was diagnosed as a carrier of hepatitis B six years ago after giving birth. I only know that it is a one plus one minus situation, and that newborns are not required to receive immunoglobulin. My questions are: 1. Can I do...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, if you are confirmed to be a carrier, it is generally not advisable to donate bone marrow or organs such as the liver or kidneys (as it may transmit the infection to the recipient), although there may be exceptions. You should monitor the changes in your hepatitis B status...[Read More] Can I Donate Bone Marrow or Organs with Hepatitis B Carrier Status?
How Soon Should You Get Tested for Hepatitis C After Risky Behavior?
What about the transmission of Hepatitis C? If a person has engaged in sexual activity and is concerned about the possibility of contracting Hepatitis C, it is recommended to wait at least 6 to 8 weeks after the potential exposure to get a blood test for a more accurate result. T...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
Hepatitis C is the second leading cause of liver disease in Taiwan (following hepatitis B), with approximately 2% to 4% of the population infected. The primary route of transmission for hepatitis C is through blood transfusions. However, only about half of hepatitis C patients ha...[Read More] How Soon Should You Get Tested for Hepatitis C After Risky Behavior?
Managing Hepatitis B: Can I Serve in the Military with Elevated Liver Enzymes?
Hepatitis B I am currently a student and I have hepatitis B. I have not yet served in the military, and my liver function tests are elevated, with GPT at 185 and GOT at 70. How can I manage to bring these values back to normal? I would like to know if I am unfit for military serv...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello everyone: When hepatitis B virus causes liver function abnormalities, please rest more, avoid staying up late, refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol, and seek treatment at a hepatobiliary clinic. Additionally, check for HBeAg. Antiviral therapy with entecavir (or simila...[Read More] Managing Hepatitis B: Can I Serve in the Military with Elevated Liver Enzymes?
Understanding Positive Results for Hepatitis A, B, and C: What You Need to Know
All three types of hepatitis tested positive? I recently went to a local clinic for a health check-up, and the report showed everything normal except for positive reactions for hepatitis A, B, and C. Why is this the case? Is it dangerous? [About ten years ago, I had hepatitis B, ...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
Having positive results for hepatitis A, B, and C indicates that you have had hepatitis A and have recovered, which is a good sign. For hepatitis B, it is important to determine whether you are positive for the surface antigen (HBsAg) or the surface antibody (anti-HBs). If you ar...[Read More] Understanding Positive Results for Hepatitis A, B, and C: What You Need to Know
Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Do You Need Surgery for a 1cm Polyp?
Gallbladder polyp I have hepatitis B, but my liver function tests are normal. During a routine abdominal ultrasound, a 1 cm polyp was found in my gallbladder, and my liver appeared to be more echogenic. The doctor recommended gallbladder removal for peace of mind. Is it necessary...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, users: Gallbladder polyps larger than one centimeter have the potential to transform into malignant gallbladder cancer; therefore, surgical removal is recommended to prevent future complications. Otherwise, annual ultrasound monitoring is necessary to determine if they con...[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Do You Need Surgery for a 1cm Polyp?
Understanding Chronic Diarrhea: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Chronic diarrhea does not present any inappropriate symptoms. ~ Chen Shidian Hello Doctor, I have some health concerns I would like to ask you about. I have been experiencing chronic diarrhea for the past three months without any accompanying symptoms. Each time I sit on the toil...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, online friends: Symptoms related to the gastrointestinal tract require further examination to confirm the cause and are likely unrelated to tuberculosis. The medications used for treatment generally do not affect memory, but you can discuss any concerns about side effects ...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Diarrhea: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Understanding Chronic Diarrhea: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Chronic diarrhea does not present any inappropriate symptoms? Hello Doctor, I have some health concerns I would like to ask you about. I have been experiencing chronic diarrhea for the past three months without any other concerning symptoms. Each time I use the restroom, it takes...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
Your symptoms require a colonoscopy (although the results may be normal) to rule out the possibility of colitis or colorectal cancer. Additionally, for hepatitis B, it is important to have regular follow-up blood tests and ultrasound examinations every six months. For the treatme...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Diarrhea: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Understanding Fatty Liver: Risks, Symptoms, and Cancer Concerns
Fatty liver disease I was diagnosed with fatty liver last year, but I do not drink alcohol. My GOT and GPT levels are around 50-60, and I do not have hepatitis B or C. I often feel bloated and uncomfortable; could this be related to my lack of sleep? What is the likelihood of dev...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Fatty liver is related to excessive fat (caloric intake). Please pay attention to your diet and exercise more. It is not associated with liver cancer. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: Risks, Symptoms, and Cancer Concerns
Understanding Hepatitis B Immunity: Do You Still Need the Vaccine?
Hepatitis B I was diagnosed with having had hepatitis B, but I was unaware of it until I was informed during a health check that I have hepatitis B. However, I have developed immunity to hepatitis B, so I don't need to get the hepatitis B vaccine, and I don't need to wo...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Having hepatitis B means you are infected and a chronic carrier. Having had hepatitis B means you have antibodies (immunity). I’m not sure which category you fall into, but there is no need for you to receive the hepatitis B vaccine. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Immunity: Do You Still Need the Vaccine?