Recent Advice

Hi. (1) I\'d like to know if there are any documented cases whereby there was HIV infected blood on a glass and someone got accidentally cut by the glass and got infected with HIV? What other diseases can be possibly spread by this? (2) What about knives? If someone gets cut by a knife with HIV blood on it will the person get HIV? Are there any documented cases of this happening? What other diseases can be possibly spread by this? (3) If lets say someone on the street accidentally fell down and is bleeding profusely, and i help the person and my hands are covered with his blood, will i get diseases from his blood (assuming that in case 1 i have an open wound on my hand, and case 2 i do not have open wound on my hand)? what are the chances of catching diseases from case 1 and 2? are there any documented cases of this incidents whereby the passerby got infected with diseases? Thank you very much for your reply.

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Chancroid Hepatitis B Pubic Lice
Genital Herpes HIV & AIDS Scabies
Genital Warts Molluscum Contagiosum Syphilis
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WHAT IS HEPATITIS B INFECTION?
It is a condition where the liver is inflamed due to an infection by the Hepatitis B virus. There are many other viruses that can cause hepatitis. e.g. Hepatitis A, Hepatitis C, EBV, CMV.

HOW DOES ONE GET HEPATITIS B?

  • Sexual intercourse with an infected person
  • Receiving contaminated blood products
  • Infected mothers can pass it to the child during birth
  • Needle sharing and needle stick injury
  • Sharing contaminated equipment e.g. tattooing and acupuncture needles

WHAT IS THE INCUBATION PERIOD OF HEPATITIS B?

  • 3 to 6 months after exposure to the infection

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HEPATITIS B?

  • It may be without symptoms or may present with severe liver disease
  • If an individual has acute Hepatitis B, he/she will experience malaise, low grade fever, nausea, loss of appetite, dark tea-coloured urine and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
  • Some infected individuals do not show any signs and may remain symptom free and ignorant of the infection until they are tested

WHAT IS SO DANGEROUS ABOUT HEPATITIS B?

  • Most people get through Hepatitis B infection without much complications
  • However 5% to 10% of the population are unable to produce antibodies against the virus and will become chronic carriers
  • Chronic carriers of Hepatitis B are at higher risk of developing liver cancer

WHAT ARE HEPATITIS B ANTIGENS AND ANTIBODIES?

  • Hepatitis B antigens are part of the virus particle itself, they can be detected by blood tests
  • Hepatitis B antibodies are proteins that the body produces when exposed to the virus
  • Antibodies clear the body of the virus and offer long term protection

HOW IS HEPATITIS B DIAGNOSED?
Hepatitis B can be diagnosed through blood tests:

  • Hepatitis B antigen tests: the presence of Hepatitis B antigen means that the person is infected and infectious to others
  • Hepatitis B antibody test: the presence of Hepatitis B antibody means that the person is immune
  • Liver function tests assess the functional state of the liver

CAN A HEPATITIS B CARRIER BE CURED?

  • There are new medications that can help some carriers to get rid of their infection. You should seek advice from a specialist for further information.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I AM FOUND TO BE A CARRIER?

  • Regular check-ups with your doctor to assess the function of the liver and detect any early cancerous changes
  • Sexual partners should be screened for infection
  • Pregnant women must inform their obstetrician so that necessary precautions may be taken to prevent infecting the newborn
  • Inform your doctor and dentist that you are a carrier so that precautions may be taken during procedures
  • Do not share personal items like shavers and toothbrushes as there may be blood contamination
  • Use a condom during sexual intercourse to prevent infecting others

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I AM IN DOUBT ABOUT MY STATUS?

  • Have your blood tested for Hepatitis B
  • Discuss the results with your doctor and vaccinate against Hepatitis B if you have not been infected
  • Hepatitis B carriers do not need vaccination


CAN I BE VACCINATED AGAINST HEPATITIS B?

  • Yes, an effective vaccine is available to protect against Hepatitis B
  • This comprises of a series of three injections
  Call the AIDS/STI hotlines at 6295 2944 for more information
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