Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Hepatitis B Carrier

My fiancee is an inactive Hepatitis B carrier.  

I went to the doctor for a blood test.  The results: I was tested "Reactive" for hepatitis B surface antibody.
Also, I had completed the Hepatits B Vaccines about 14 years ago.  Am I safe enough to have unprotected sex now?  or should I go further testing for my immunity level to Hepatitis B and get a booster vaccine before unprotected sex.  I like to have kids in the future.  Thanks for taking the time to read/reply!  
9 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
181575 tn?1250198786
Nothing much to add.

But if your HepB surface antibody is "reactive", your levels are fine.

Also remember "inactive carrier" doesn't mean the virus is "deactivated".  It's still there, replicating but at low levels due to the immune systems control.  "reactivation" is common, so your your fiancee should monitor and (although still low risk) screen for liver cancer annually.

If you want to learn more about HepB, see our Health Page.

Good luck.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
from I was a little kid as my Hepatologist told me......
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Ohh...you mean u have hep b? how u got it? maybe u should have wife and kids tested too to be safe!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I don't even know about it until 2 mths ago from by routine blood test.....
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
hey ann8,

thanks so much for encouraging and the safe advice.  I will get that immunity level done.  It's better safe than sorry.  Also, what other vaccines and tested did you have to do before you had your babies?  I am assuming you have a hep b partner too?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Yes, my hepatologist mentioned something like 1000 IU/ML should be safe. The duration of the response varies....remember to measure the level after you are done with the vacc.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi Ann8

thanks for the response....so I have to go to the doctor for a blood test with specifics about hb level of immunity?  what is considered a safe level of immunity? is there a booster vaccine? and how long does the booster vaccine last? thanks
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I suggest you measure the level of your immunity to be on the safe side as antibody level decay over time. Since your vacc was 14 yrs ago, it might be the memory that are protecting you from getting Hep B.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Yes, you are immune to HepB.  Even though your fiancee has HepB, you can't get it.  Be careful about your children.  As soon as they are born, in US they will be vaccinated if the hospital knows your wife has HepB.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Hepatitis B Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.