The Diagnosis and Early Treatment Can Prevent Liver Damage
What should I do if I think I was exposed to hepatitis B?
Consult your doctor immediately if you think you’ve been exposed to hepatitis B. A drug called hepatitis B immune globulin can protect you from getting hepatitis B if it is administered shortly after having been exposed to hepatitis B.
If you are at high risk for hepatitis B, get tested. Many people are unaware they are infected. The diagnosis and early treatment can prevent liver damage.
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Points to remember
* Hepatitis B is a liver disease caused by hepatitis B.
* Anyone can get hepatitis B, but some people are at greater risk.
* You can get hepatitis B through contact with blood, semen or other body fluids of an infected person.
* Hepatitis B usually has no symptoms.
* Adults and children 5 and older sometimes jaundice or other symptoms.
* Hepatitis B is usually not treated unless it becomes chronic.
* Chronic hepatitis B is when the body can not get rid of the virus of hepatitis B.
* Children, especially infants, are more likely to get hepatitis B infection.
* Hepatitis B infection is treated with medicines that delay or prevent the virus damages the liver.
* You can prevent hepatitis B by getting vaccinated against hepatitis B.
* Consult your doctor immediately if you think you have been exposed to hepatitis B.
* If you are at high risk for hepatitis B, get tested. Many people are unaware they are infected. Early diagnosis and early treatment can help prevent liver damage.
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Hope through research
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), which in Spanish is called the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease, conducts and supports basic and clinical research on various digestive disorders, among which is included hepatitis B. NIDDK scientists are investigating better strategies for using antiviral drugs to treat hepatitis B.
Participants in clinical studies can participate more actively in their health care, access to new research treatments before they are widely available, and help others by contributing to medical research. For more information on current studies, visit www.ClinicalTrials.gov.