Contents
Prevention Tips
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Hepatitis B vaccine
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Avoid having unprotected sex with someone, including anal and oral sex, unless you are sure they are immunised against hepatitis B.
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Never share your needles with other drug users
- Take some sensible precautions to avoid the spread of infection, such not sharing toothbrushes or razors with other people.
Others
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There are some circumstances when you may need to postpone or avoid having the hepatitis B vaccine, if:
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You are pregnant
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You are breastfeeding
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You have an immune deficiency
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You have any allergies
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For full protection, you will need three injections of hepatitis B vaccine over four to six months.
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You will have a blood test taken one month after the third dose to check the vaccinations have worked.
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Then better you be immune (resistant to the virus) for at least five years. You can have a booster injection five years after the initial injection.
- If you have been exposed to the hepatitis B virus and have not been vaccinated before, immediately have the hepatitis B vaccine plus an injection of antibodies called specific hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG). This is because the vaccine does not work straight away. The immunoglobulin works immediately, albeit temporarily, so you are protected until the vaccine starts to work.
Watch Out
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Joint pains
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Abdominal pain
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Dark urine
- Yellowing of skin and eyes (jaundice)
When to See Doctor
Consult your doctor if
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You develop symptoms of hepatitis B.
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Hepatitis B symptoms do not go away in 2-3 weeks, or new symptoms develop.
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You belong to a high-risk group for hepatitis B and have not had the HBV vaccine.