How Does Hepatitis B Change My Life?
If you have acute hepatitis B, it is generally not that serious. It will last up to six months.1 Most people with acute infection will fully recover and not have any lasting health problems.
If you have chronic hepatitis B, you may have the infection for life.2 Since hepatitis B is a highly contagious disease, it is important to avoid giving the infection to others. You should also follow these tips to help prevent hepatitis B infection:
| • | Always use condoms when you have sex.3 |
| • | Tell your sex partners to get tested for hepatitis B.3 |
| • | Do not share personal items like razors, toothbrushes or nail clippers with others.3 |
| • | Do not drink alcohol as it can damage the liver.4 |
| • | If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, tell your healthcare provider so your baby can be protected.3 |
| • | Do not eat and drink and then share the food with others.3 |
| • | Tell your dentist and other healthcare providers who are treating you that you have the hepatitis B virus.5 |
| • | If you smoke, you should stop because it can be very harmful to the liver.6 |
| • | Do not take herbs or vitamins unless you talk to your healthcare provider first. Some of these can damage the liver.7 |
You should also take good care of yourself by eating a healthy diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables. Avoid high-fat foods as much as possible.8
It is important to know that many people with chronic hepatitis B live normal lives. You should continue to engage in activities that make you happy. Remember to follow the advice of your healthcare provider because he or she can help you stay as healthy as possible.
References
1 Hepatitis B Foundation, http://www.hepb.org/patients/acute_vs_chronic.htm, accessed 8 April 20092 Centre for Disease Control, "Living with chronic Hepatitis B" brochure, 2006, http://www.cdc.gov/NCIDOD/Diseases/hepatitis/resource/PDFs/Chronic_Hep_B_brochure.pdf, accessed 8 April 2009
3 The Mayo Clinic, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hepatitis-b/DS00398/DSECTION=9, accessed 8 April 2009
4 American Liver Foundation, http://www.liverfoundation.org/education/info/hepatitisb/, access 8 Apirl 2009
5 WebMD, http://www.webmd.com/hepatitis/digestive-diseases-hepatitis-b, access 8 Apirl 2009
6 Hepatitis B Foundation, http://www.hepb.org/patients/living_with_hepatitis_b.htm, access 8 Apirl 2009
7 Hepatitis C, http://www.epidemic.org/theForum/managingHepC/nutrition/herbsAndVitamins/, access 8 Apirl 2009
8 Center for Disease Control, http://www.cdc.gov/Ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/b/faqb.htm, access 8 Apirl 2009
