Group items tagged

All children at age 1, or older children who didn't receive the vaccine at age 1 Laboratory workers who may come in contact with hepatitis A Men who have sex with men People planning travel to areas of the world with high rates of hepatitis A People who use illegal drugs, injected and noninjected People who receive treatment with clotting-factor concentrates People with chronic liver disease

The hepatitis A vaccine can prevent infection with the virus. The hepatitis A vaccine is typically given in two doses

Acute hepatitis B refers to newly acquired infections. Affected individuals notice symptoms approximately 1 to 4 months after exposure to the virus. In most people with acute hepatitis, symptoms resolve over weeks to months and they are cured of the infection. However, a small number of people develop a very severe, life-threatening form of acute hepatitis called fulminant hepatitis.Chronic hepatitis B is an infection with HBV that lasts longer than 6 months. Once the infection becomes chronic, it may never go away completely.

About two-thirds of people with chronic HBV infection are chronic carriers.

If you are sexually active, practice safe sex. Correct use of latex condoms can help prevent transmission of HBV, but even when used correctly, condoms are not 100% effective at preventing transmission. Men who have sex with men should be vaccinated against both hepatitis A and hepatitis B. If you inject drugs, don't share needles or other equipment. Don't share anything (including grooming products) that might have blood on it, such as a razor, toothbrush, fingernail clippers, etc. Think about the health risks if you are planning to get a tattoo or body piercing. You can become infected if the artist or person piercing you does not sterilize needles and equipment, use disposable gloves, or wash hands properly