Hepititis B

Another doctor's visit today
First shot in the series of 3 over 6 month s.
No sweat, a prick and a burn.

UPMC wanted me to have this vaccine just in case a lung donor had had this virus.  I know Chelsea had to get it before college and I understand now they give it to the babies.  Most adults  recover in a short time. However, Sometimes the virus causes a long-term infection, called chronic hepatitis B. Over time, it can damage your liver. Babies and young children infected with the virus are more likely to get chronic hepatitis B. 

You can have hepatitis B and not know it. You may not have symptoms. If you do, they can make you feel like you have the flu. But as long as you have the virus, you can spread it to others through contact with the blood and bodily fluids.

Word to the Wise...You may get hepatitis B if you:

• Have sex with an infected person without using a condom.  
• Share needles (used for injecting drugs) with an infected person. 
• Get a tattoo or piercing with tools that were not cleaned well.
• Share personal items like razors or toothbrushes with an infected person. 

I think I'm safe in all these categories.