K.N.O.W. Home Health - HEPATITIS B

HEPATITIS B

What Is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus. It can make your liver swollen and sore. Sometimes people get better on their own, but others can have the infection for a long time.

What Causes Hepatitis B?

You get Hepatitis B from contact with the blood or body fluids of someone who has the virus. This can happen by:

Having unprotected sex with someone infected
Sharing needles or other drug equipment
From mother to baby during birth
Getting a blood transfusion or medical procedure with unclean tools (rare in many countries)

Symptoms of Hepatitis B

Some people don’t feel sick at all. Others may have:

Feeling very tired
Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice)
Stomach pain
Dark urine
Loss of appetite
Nausea or vomiting
Fever

Treatment for Hepatitis B

There is no cure for Hepatitis B, but many people get better without treatment.
Some people with long-term (chronic) Hepatitis B need medicine to keep the virus from hurting their liver.
Regular doctor check-ups and blood tests are important.

Special Diet and Precautions

Eat a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Avoid alcohol because it can hurt your liver more.
Avoid medicines that can harm the liver unless your doctor says they are safe.
Keep your vaccinations up to date, especially for Hepatitis A if your liver is damaged.

Special Precautions: It Is Contagious

Hepatitis B can spread to others.
Do not share needles, razors, toothbrushes, or anything that may have blood on it.
Use condoms during sex to reduce risk.
Cover any cuts or wounds to avoid spreading blood.
Tell your healthcare providers you have Hepatitis B before any medical or dental procedures.

When to Call Your Home Health Nurse or Doctor

Call your nurse or doctor if you:

Feel very tired or weak
Have new or worsening belly pain
Notice yellowing of your skin or eyes
Have vomiting that won’t stop
Have a fever or chills
Feel confused or very sleepy

When to Call 911 or Go to the Emergency Room

Call 911 or go to the ER if you:

Pass out or lose consciousness
Have severe belly pain
Have trouble breathing
Vomit blood or have black, tarry stools
Feel very confused or cannot stay awake

Patient Homework / Assessment

Instructions: Read each statement below. Write True or False at the beginning. If the statement is False, please correct it.

True or False: Hepatitis B is a virus that infects the liver.
True or False: You can get Hepatitis B from shaking hands with someone who has it.
True or False: Sharing needles can spread Hepatitis B.
True or False: Some people with Hepatitis B may not have any symptoms.
True or False: Hepatitis B can be cured with antibiotics.
True or False: Alcohol can make liver damage worse in Hepatitis B.
True or False: Hepatitis B spreads only through casual contact like hugging.
True or False: Using condoms can help prevent spreading Hepatitis B.
True or False: You should avoid medicines that might hurt the liver unless your doctor says they are safe.
True or False: Vaccines can prevent Hepatitis B.
True or False: You should tell your dentist if you have Hepatitis B.
True or False: Hepatitis B is not contagious.
True or False: Jaundice means yellowing of the skin or eyes.
True or False: Dark urine can be a sign of Hepatitis B.
True or False: You don’t need to see a doctor regularly if you have chronic Hepatitis B.
True or False: Vomiting that doesn’t stop is a reason to call your doctor.
True or False: Hepatitis B can be passed from mother to baby at birth.
True or False: You can share toothbrushes if you clean them well to prevent spreading Hepatitis B.
True or False: Hepatitis B can cause long-term liver damage.
True or False: Eating a balanced diet helps keep your liver healthy during Hepatitis B.

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

Symptom Identification:

Have you noticed yellowing of your skin or eyes, dark urine, tiredness, or stomach pain that could be signs your liver is not working well?

Activity Impact / Safety:
2. Are you feeling too weak, tired, or uncomfortable to safely do your normal daily activities?

Treatment Adherence:
3. Have you been able to take your medicines as prescribed and follow your doctor’s advice to help manage your Hepatitis B?

Preventive Measures:
4. What steps are you taking to prevent the spread of Hepatitis B to others, such as not sharing razors, toothbrushes, or needles, and practicing safe sex?

Additional Information (labs):
5. Do you know when your next liver blood tests or follow-up appointments are scheduled and why these are important to check how your liver is doing?

Answer Key with Explanations

True – Hepatitis B is a virus that infects and damages the liver.
False – You cannot get Hepatitis B from shaking hands; it spreads through blood or body fluids.
True – Sharing needles is a common way Hepatitis B spreads.
True – Some people never have symptoms but can still spread the virus.
False – Hepatitis B is caused by a virus and cannot be cured with antibiotics, which treat bacteria.
True – Alcohol harms the liver and can make Hepatitis B worse.
False – Hepatitis B does not spread by casual contact like hugging or sharing utensils.
True – Condoms reduce the risk of spreading Hepatitis B during sex.
True – Some medicines can harm the liver and should only be taken if your doctor says it’s safe.
True – Vaccines are available and very effective in preventing Hepatitis B.
True – It’s important to inform your dentist and other healthcare providers about your Hepatitis B.
False – Hepatitis B is contagious through blood and body fluids.
True – Jaundice means yellowing of the skin or eyes, a sign of liver problems.
True – Dark urine can indicate liver problems including Hepatitis B.
False – Regular check-ups are important for people with chronic Hepatitis B to monitor liver health.
True – Persistent vomiting requires medical attention.
True – Hepatitis B can pass from mother to baby during birth if not treated.
False – You should never share toothbrushes, as they can spread blood and the virus.
True – Chronic Hepatitis B can cause long-term damage such as liver scarring (cirrhosis) or cancer.
True – Eating a balanced diet supports liver health and overall wellness during Hepatitis B.