Hepatitis B - Need to get that jab!

While working this week, I was bitten on the cheek (not my best experience of work I must say!). The skin was slightly broken and I've been left with a small mark for the rest of the week, but the whole thing reminded me I need to organise my Hep B (Hepatitis B) jab, one that I'm recommended to have seeing as how I work in a house where clients with disabilities live. I decided I'd look into what I was actually being vaccinated against and here's what I found:

Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver (Hepa being Liver, itis meaning inflammation or disease) and is one of multiple strains of the virus that can infect the liver - hence A, B, C etc. Someone becomes infected with the virus when they come into contact with it through someone else's blood or bodily fluids and has not been vaccinated. Because of how it's spread, the virus is predominantly thought to be caught through unprotected sex, but can also be caught by sharing toothbrushes, razors and other objects that are contaminated with blood. Hepatitis is also more common in certain parts of the world, so medical treatment with unsterilised instruments abroad can also result in infection.

So how come I'm recommended to have the vaccination? Well because I work with people with learning disabilities, including in a supported living home, I run the risk of being bitten and scratched at work - which as I said previously I have! Because of this contact, there is a risk of my contracting the virus.

Symptoms of Hepatitis B won't emerge till at least 40 days after exposure to the virus, although a lot of people don't show any symptoms while they have the virus. However, until their body has fought it off, they can still pass it on. The main symptoms include nausea, general flu-like symptoms, jaundice and aches, especially in the upper right side of the body and appetite and weight loss. Normally symptoms don't last longer than a few months, but the infection is said to be chronic if symptoms last longer than 6 months.

So how is it treated? Well those who display symptoms can take PRN medication, such as Ibuprofen or Paracetamol. Codeine may be prescribed by a doctor if the pain is more severe and nausea is generally treated with metoclopramide. Regular blood tests and physical checkups will be required while the patient is displaying symptoms and afterwards to ensure the infection is gone and they don't develop Chronic Hepatitis B. Medication is normally only required for Chronic Hepatitis B to prevent damage to the liver, however not all sufferers of Chronic Hepatitis B need this medication. Chronic Hepatitis can go on to cause liver cancer, fulminant hepatitis B (where the immune system attacks the liver) and cirrhosis (scarring).

For full protection, I'll need 3 jabs in the next 4-6 months - thankfully I'm not scared of needles! My immunity will then be tested a month after the third dose to ensure the vaccination has worked.