Need help...

[glo04]

We just found out that my partner has hepatitis B. We have been living for almost 7years. Last 2001 I was given a vaccine for hepatitis but I couldn't remember what vaccine it was whether it's for hep A or B. My lab was check during that year and I was negative of HBsAg, Positive for Anti-Hep. B core, Positive of Anti-hepatitis B core (Vidas). Positive of hepatitis A antibody and in the remarks of my lab test it say's that I am consistent with past hepatitis B infection. Am I protected or immune with hepatitis B. Do I still need to be vaccinated with hepatitis vaccine since that was almost 8 years ago since I had the vaccine. My daughter was also givin a vaccine for hepatitis last dec 2004. The second dose of her vaccine was givin a month later but the 3rd dose was givin a 10 months after. Will she be protedted as well? Please help me and give me advice I am really scared....

[Peteshine]

Hi,

Just to clarify as i also reside in the UK.... I do believe having Hep B will restrict you from most employment within the medical profession..... I know this from my father being a doctor (although he does not have Hep B) and also family friends in HK who are British but have remained in HK to work as they are unable to be doctors in the UK as he is Hep B positive....

[cajim]

You are doing the right things and I am happy for your good news.

[glo04]

We already went to the DR. today and was checked. The Dr. Told me that I am immune to Hepatitis B. My husband was refered to the liver specialist Dr. for further investigation of the condition of his liver. He said that he is still infectious, but he said that there is a treatment for the disease so we need not to worry. Tomorrow we are also going to bring our daughter to the childrens hospital so that her bloods will be check. The Dr. also assured us that he is not a risk to his patient and there's no way that his employer will get rid of him because of his disease. Because he if fit to work.So cross finger my husband will be able to recover from the virus and hoping my daughter will is not infected..

[cajim]

If your work does not involve invasive procedures to your patients, maybe your stable HepB status is not a risk to them.

[glo04]

I'm going to check about, in our work we just assist the nurses co'z we are working in a nursing home. I'm just very worried right now and I hope and pray that everything will be fine

[cajim]

UK must have clear rules.  A nursing attendant may perform some invasive procedures.  I think you should find out the rules there.  Maybe your worry is unnecessary.

[glo04]

We're in UK and my husband is a nursing attendant.

[cajim]

Will they still accept him even if he has the disease?

Which country are you in?  Does the country have clear rules?  What specialty in medicine is your partner in?  Is it invasive?

what are some precautions that we have to do for our daughter since we don't know yet if my daughter is negative from HBsAg?

Avoid:

Sharing razors, toothbrushes or nail clippers
Being exposed to wounds, blood, or secretions from infected person

[glo04]

We are going to have the test this coming wednesday and it will take two weeks to know the result.Hope the result will be fine. Both me and my partner are working in the medical profession, my husband is abit worried since he will be transfering in another work place. Will they still accept him even if he has the disease? will it be one of the reason for his new eployer not to accept him? Is he at risk to his patient? what are some precautions that we have to do for our daughter since we don't know yet if my daughter is negative from HBsAg? Thank you

[cajim]

If you and your daughter are HBsAg negative and hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) positive, then you are immune to HepB and you cannot get HepB from your partner.

The best way to calm you is to have you and your daughter tested.