Information for Hepatitis B Carriers
Hepatitis B carriers have not developed immunity as a result of infection and may have traces of the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) in their blood and body fluids for the rest of their lives. They can pass the virus on to other people. Most carriers appear healthy and symptom-free, but some will develop cirrhosis and/or liver cancer years after becoming infected with the Hepatitis B virus. Of all the people who are infected with the Hepatitis B virus, about 1 of every 10 will become a carrier.
How to protect others and yourself:
- Inform healthcare providers (i.e. family doctor, dentist, nurse) that you are a carrier.
- Get vaccinated for Hepatitis A.
- Household and sexual contacts should be immunized with Hepatitis B vaccine, if not immune already.
- Babies born to mothers who are Hepatitis B carriers should be given immune-globulin at birth and started on vaccine.
- Use latex condoms to protect sexual contacts that have no immunity.
- Do not donate blood, sperm, or tissue/organs.
- Do not share needles/syringes or equipment for tattooing or body piercing.
- Do not share personal items that may have blood on them (i.e. toothbrushes, razors, tweezers, nail clippers, earrings, cigarettes, etc.).
- Stop drinking alcohol to prevent further liver damage.
- Cover all cuts, blisters, and open sores with a bandage.
- Wash your hands well, especially after touching blood.
- Wash blood-stained clothing in hot soapy water.
- Clean up blood spills yourself if possible. Soak up the blood with paper towels, then wipe the area with water and bleach mixture (one part bleach to nine parts water). Leave the solution on the area for 10 minutes to kill the virus.
- Put blood-stained articles (paper towels, bandages, sanitary pads, tampons, dental floss) into a plastic bag. Seal the bag and put in the garbage.
- Refrain from preparing food if you have bleeding cuts or sores on your hands.
How can I get more information?
For more information contact KFL&A Public Health at 613-549-1232 or 1-800-267-7875.
Revised: 2011-05-10