Get the HBV immunoglobulin shot if you're stressed and want protection NOW. Then start your series of hep B shots, you should get them even if you are a hypochondriacal paranoid (everyone should). And FYI, I just got my hep B shots and recently the FDA has approved a condensed one month hep B vaccination schedule. Shot 1 on day 1, shot 2 on day 7, then shot 3 on day 30 (and that's it, no 6 month follow up). Also don't forget your hep A and tetanus while you're at it. In the meantime avoid rusty nails, food, people, animals, the outdoors and yourself. ;-)
My suggestion is you have alot of questions and fears regarding this issue. Speak to a reputable doctor and this way you will know whats what.
take it easy
Another question is this. I was thinking about getting the HBIG shot also because the vaccine takes six months to complete.
The HBIG can protect you from the virus for up to three months.
She works as a phlebotomist like I said so she is around this thing all the time now.
I was thinking this could protect me during the time that I had not completed the three shot intervals for the B vaccine.
But I read that HBIG is derived from human plasma. Couldn't I get another virus such as Hep, A, B, or C or HIV from the shot itself or could it harm me in any other way if I got it without having the B virus in my blood?
i think the best way to resolve this is go get tested....When a person is fearful of something you cannot take another persons word that you have nothing to worry about. Go get tested and this way you wont have to dwell on this any longer.
You have nothing to worry about. ( My opinion only)
I came here to get help not to be criticized. I am not familiar with how the disease is spread completely and I came here to get information. Perhaps you should hold your critizism for those who could care less about safety as to those who are not well educated on the subject and are trying to be safe.
I am simply trying to get some help.
If the virus can live outside the body for ten days and I came in contact with her body where she came in contact with it.... I could get it could'nt I?
I think we need more "can I catch HBV from my neighbor's dog after he licks a poopie on the sidewalk?" questions. There just haven't been enough of them lately.
Also her exposure was not from a third party.
She is a phlebotomist and drew someone's blood that has HBV. She said she did not get stuck or anything but if they guy somehow got any secretions on a surface area or on her, since it can live so long outside the body... it could come in contact with me correct?
The reason I was worried is that if she had touched the secretion (blood) or some sort of saliva or other way (touched a surface area with it on it) perhaps it could be on her but not in her body.
I read that the virus can live outside the body for up to ten days and this really worries me.
Again the reason I am also really concerned is given my current health problems that I have, I need to always be carefull with any sickness I could possible come in contact with.
I talked to one nurse in my doctor's office that said that even if she has had the vaccine, she could still transfer it if she came in contact with it. I talked to another person at a health center that said she could not. But if she touched a surface area and got something on her skin that had the virus, since it can live up to ten days outside the body then it could be transferred to me couldnt it?
let me get this straight. You are worried about your Gf transmitting Hbv to you because she had an exposure from a third party? You said she has been vaccinated right? Then, there is NO way she can transmit Hbv to you since she could not possibly have Hbv. you cannot transmit to someone what you do not have.
Your Hbv risk in this situation is -0-.